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UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. 



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HANNAH CORCORAN: 



AN AUTHENTIC NAERATIYE 



OP 



HER CONVERSION FROM ROMANISM, 



HER ABBUCTION FROM CHARLESTOWN, 



AND 



THE TREATMENT SHE EECEIYED DURING HER ABSENCE. 



BY 

THOMAS FORD tIALDICOTT, D.D., 

PASTOR OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN, MASS. 




/ 

BOSTON: ,; 
GOULD AND LINCOLN, 



59 WASHINOTOK STBEET. 



1853 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, by 

GOULD & LINCOLN, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 



PREFACE. 



The reasons for giving this narrative to the pub- 
lic are the following : 

First, To correct the many partial, inaccurate 
statements that have gone abroad, and to furnish 
the community with a narrative on which they may 
rely as being authentic. 

Secondly, To show that, in whatever else the 
papacy may change, its spirit of persecution, where 
it has the power, is immutable. The Shepherd of 
the Valley^ a Roman Catholic newspaper, published 
under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of St. 
Louis, says, " If the Catholics ever gain, — what 
they surely will do, though at a distant day, — 
an immense numerical majority, religious freedom in 
this country is at an end." 



IV PREFACE. 

This is an honest confession, and we believe it ; 
but many do not, and they need to be convinced by 
stubborn facts. 

The same journal, in defending civil punishment 
of spiritual crime, says, " The temporal punishment 
of heresy is a mere question of expediency. That 
Protestants do not punish us here, is simply because 
they have not 'the power ; and that where we abstain 
from persecuting them, they are well aware that it is 
merely because we cannot do so, or think that by 
doing so we should injure the cause that we wish to 
serve.'' 

The writer is not disposed to charge upon the 
Catholics of the present day the faults of their 
fathers, nor would he countenance any measure 
tending to the abridgment of their religious free- 
dom ; but he would have all sects, as well as all 
individuals, held responsible for their own eon- 
duct. 

It is characteristic of the age, and an inseparable 
feature of our free institutions, that no man, or set 
of men, shall hide themselves from the scrutinizing 
gaze of the public eye, or be allowed to practise 



PREFACE. V 

iniquity under cover of sacerdotal robes, or eccle- 
siastical organizations. 

Thirdly, Another motive which has influenced 
the writer is, a desire to hold up for imitation the 
faith and fortitude exemplified in the subject of this 
narrative. He believes there are honest-hearted and 
pious individuals who have long felt the galling in- 
fluence of a spiritual bondage, and may, perhaps, be 
inspired by the noble example of one of their own 
number to throw off the unhallowed' chain, and en- 
joy the liberty of the sons of Grod. 

We know that many of the members of the 
Catholic church would read the Holy Scriptures, 
and think and act for themselves. But they are 
under a spell ; the fear of the priests enslaves 
their souls ; and we would, if possible, assist them 
in breaking this dangerous enchantment. 

Fourthly, To manifest to the Catholic commu- 
nity that our feelings towards them are nothing 
but kindness. We disclaim all desire to prejudice 
the Protestant mind, or to awaken angry passions 
against the Catholics. We would far rather invoke 
the gentleness, the benevolence, and the prayers 



VI PREFACE. 

of Protestants in their behalf. We entreat Pro- 
testants to exercise, in all their intercourse with 
Catholics, that love which will convince them that 
we only seek their benefit ; and while thej may be 
apprehensive that the adoption of our sentiments 
and practices would be the ruin of their souls, let 
our conduct towards them prove that we are en- 
deavoring rather to promote than to injure both 
their temporal and their eternal welfare. 
Charlestown, Mass., July 4, 1853. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

Birth — Early Influences— Emigration to America — Her Advice to John 
— Kindness of Mrs. Carpenter — She refuses Protestant Worship — 
Goes to the Baptist Church — Attends the Sabbath-school — Sabbath- 
school Lessons — Serious Impressions — She visits the Pastor — The 
Bible our Guide — Liberty of Conscience- — Romanism adverse to Lib- 
erty — It enslaves the Conscience — Her Perplexities — The Pastor's 
Advice — Her Doubts removed — Second Tisit to the Pastor — The 
Design of Baptism — She renounces Romanism — She is baptized, . . 9 



CHAPTER II. 

Zeal repelled — Persecution to be expected — She desires to do Good — 
Cautioned about the Mode — Cautioned against a Wrong Spirit — Kind- 
ness recommended — Relatives arrive from Ireland — Her Mother 
threatens her — Evasion — Conscience — Signs of Danger — Induced 
to go Shopping — Taken to the Priest — Conversation with the Priest — 
Replies to the Priest — Accused by the Priest — Her Mother entreats 

— Ellen's Interview with Mrs. Carpenter — Hannah sees her Pastor 

— Guardian proposed — Guardian chosen— Goes to Boston — Abduc- 
tion, 31 



VIII CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

Efforts for her Recovery — Results — The Priest questioned — His Re- 
ply — John examined — Police consulted — City Solicitor — Anony- 
mous Letter — Important Infoi-mation — Priests inquired of — Action 
of the Church — Mr. Butman employed — Notices by Newspapers — 
Mr. Welch's Affidavit. — Not satisfactory — John's AfiBdavit — Priest's 
Interview with the Mayor — The Mayor with the Pastor — Placards — 
Priest inquired of — Mr. Carter in New York — Letter to Priest Lyn- 
don — The Priest's Reply — Prayer offered — John's Affidavit — Anony- 
mous Letter — Priest promises her Return — Doings ^f the Committee 
— Ellen goes for Hannah — Riot in Charlestown — Prayer-meeting — 
Newspaper Reports — Mr. Carter in Buffalo — Mr. Butman in Phila- 
delphia — Hannah's Return to Boston — Her Return to Charlestown — 
She attends Church, 56 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Mayor visits Hannah — Public not satisfied — Ellen warns Hannah 
— Hints of Persecution — Pastor's first Interview — Religious Liberty 
defined and defended — Romanism worse than Slavery — Religious 
Rights — Queries about her Abduction — Explanations — Her Mother 
uses Force — Ellen was the Tool — Priests the Agents — Proofs — 
Hmts of further Disclosures — Pastor's Second Interview — Her First 
Sabbath away — Priests converse with her — She is drugged — Force 
used to make her confess — She will not confess — Entreaties and 
Threatenings — Her Firmness — Sickness — Priests furnish Money — 
She is taken to Philadelphia — Interview with Priests — Engaged as a 
Domestic — She writes to Priest Lyndon — Prospects of her Return 
— Arrives in Boston — Priest sees her — Her Affidavit — Remarks — 
Miss Carter's Testimony — Cat and Canary-bird — Reasons for these 
Disclosures— -Promise broken— An Appeal, 91 



CHAPTER I. 

BIRTH — EARLY INFLUENCES — EMIGRATION TO AMERICA 

HER ADVICE TO JOHN — KINDNESS OF MRS. CARPENTER 

SHE REFUSES PROTESTANT WORSHIP GOES TO THE BAP- 
TIST CHURCH ATTENDS THE SABBATH-SCHOOL SAB- 
BATH-SCHOOL LESSONS SERIOUS IMPRESSIONS SHE 

VISITS THE PASTOR THE BIBLE OUR GUIDE LIBERTY 

OF CONSCIENCE RO.AIANISM ADVERSE TO LIBERTY IT 

ENSLAVES THE CONSCIENCE HER PERPLEXITIES THE 

pastor's advice HER DOUBTS REMOVED SECOND VISIT 

TO THE PASTOR THE DESIGN OF BAPTISM SHE RE- 
NOUNCES ROMANISlvr — SHE IS BAPTIZED. 

Hannah Corcoran, daughter of Patrick and 
Ellen Corcoran, the eldest of five children, was 
born in Andrum, county of Cork, Ireland, Au- 
gust 11, 1836. 

Her father was a farmer in comparatively easy 
circumstances, such as enabled him to give his 
children a common education. 

Hannah was taught, while in Ireland, reading, 
writing, and the first principles of arithmetic and 
geography. 

She was brought up to believe strictly all 



10 EARLY INFLUENCES. 

the dogmas, and to practise all the rites, of the 
Romish church. Her prejudices in favor of 
that church were very strong. She regarded 
the priests as altogether above ordinary mortals 
in sanctity and power, and next to God himself. 

In her tenth year, the family left Andrum for 
Blarneylemont, to occupy a farm much superior 
to the one in Andrum, and nearer to the city of 
Cork. But when they had been comfortably 
settled about six months, her father was taken 
sick, and, after a very short but severe illness, 
died February 2, 1847. 

In accordance with the provisions of his will, 
a sister of her father took charge of the farm and 
of the family, the work on the farm being per- 
formed by a brother of the deceased, while the 
entire management, together with the education 
of the children, was under the control of the 
aunt. From the impress left upon the elder 
children, Hannah and John, any one w^ould infer 
that she was a superior woman ; for, while she 
taught them to revere the church, she also 
trained them to habits of reflection, intelligence, 
industry, truthfulness, courtesy and integrity. 
This lady is a Sister of Charity. 

A little more than two years after the decease 
of her father, it was considered advisable, by the 



EMIGRATION TO AMERICA. 11 

aunt and other friends, for her mother to go to 
America, — the land of promise, in ^vhich so many 
of her countrymen had secured respectable situa- 
tions, saved money, and thus been enabled to 
send home the means of bringing out their rela- 
tives. She, it was hoped, might do the same. 
In the mean time the five children, Hannah, 
John, Kate, Honora and Jeremiah, were to re- 
main with their aunt, until their mother could 
procure the means of sending for them. Having 
decided on this course, Ellen, the mother, left 
Ireland in June 1849, and arrived here in Au- 
gust. As she was a good cook and laundry- 
woman, she had but little difficulty in obtaining 
a situation, and in about two and a half years, 
at the commencement of 1852, she had secured 
the amount required for the passage of her elder 
children, Hannah and John, from Ireland. At 
this time she was living in the family of Mr. 
Joshua Colhns, a son-in-law of Mr. Joseph Car- 
ter. These two families reside in a double house 
beneath the same roof, having a communication 
from the separate apartments. Nearly all the 
members of both families are communicants in 
the First Baptist Church in Charlestown. 

The two children embarked in the ship Swift, 
in April 1852, and landed in Boston June 1, after 



12 HER ADVICE TO JOHN. 

a rough passage of nearly two months. They 
went at once to their mother, and were welcomed 
and treated very kindly by the families of Messrs. 
Collins and Carter. 

Successful efforts w^ere made to procure places 
for the children ; Hannah was engaged in the 
family of Mr. Marcellus Carpenter, and John 
was put under the care of Mr. Peter Temple, a 
farmer in Ashland, and was subsequently ap- 
prenticed to Mr. Perry, shoe manufiicturer, of 
Lynn, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are mem- 
bers of the same church with Messrs. Collins 
and Carter. 

During the few days that Hannah and John 
were together in the family of Mr. Collins, she 
would take him around the monument grounds, 
and tell him that he was now in a Protestant 
country ; that he was going into a Protestant 
family; and that he would have to be on his 
guard lest they should draw him into any prac- 
tice that would be hurtful to his soul ; meaning 
thereby any neglect of the forms of the Catho- 
lic church, or any compliance with the religious 
practices of the Protestants. She would advise 
him to be respectful and obedient wJiere his reli- 
gion was not concerned ; yet, if he must ever be 
present at Protestant worship, either in the fani- 



KINDNESS OF MRS. CARPENTER. 13 

ily or elsewhere, to be sure to give no attention 
to it, but to employ himself in mentally repeat- 
ing his Ave Maria. She had observed that in 
the families of Messrs. Collins and Carter 
prayers were daily offered ; that her mother was 
present at such worship, and did not, as Catho- 
lics generally do, refuse to hear Protestants 
pray. She had been encouraged by her mother 
to do as she did, and this had alarmed her. 
Hence her anxiety for her brother, and her 
earnest warnings to let nothing seduce him from 
the faith in which he had been educated. 

These children w^ere together at Mr. Collins' 
from Monday till Friday, at which time Hannah 
entered upon her duties in the family of Mr. 
Carpenter. 

On the following Sabbath, Mrs. C. inquired 
of her if she wished to go to church, and if so, at 
what church she would choose to attend w^orship. 
She replied that she did not think of going to 
church at present, as she had not suitable cloth- 
ing ; but, if she went, she should prefer attending 
her own church. In the course of that week 
Mrs. C. furnished her with appropriate clothing 
for the Sabbath, so that she need not, on that 
account, be prevented from enjoying the privi- 
leges of that holy day. 



14 SHE REFUSES PIIOTESTANT AVORSHIP. 

Having been told that early on the next Sab- 
bath morning a number of colored and other per- 
sons were to be baptized in the Mystic river, 
which runs past the end of the street in which 
she lived, she concluded to go and see how this 
ordinance was administered. She imagined that 
the^ candidates would be taken out in a boat, and 
put over the side to be immersed, and then be 
taken into the boat again ; but on seeing them 
walk into the water with the administrator, she 
began to suspect that they were endeavoring to 
walk on the water, as she had heard Christ once 
did. About ten o'clock that morning, she went 
to Mr. Collins' for her mother to conduct her to 
the Catholic church ; but her mother said she 
did not know where it was, having never been 
there, and asked her if she Avould not like to 
go with Mr. and Mrs. Collins to the Bap- 
tist church, saying that she did so frequently, 
and it was just as well. To this inquiry she 
answered, indignantly. No ! and, leaving her 
mother, went alone in search of the Catholic 
church, but did not succeed that morning in find- 
ing it. In the course of the week she was visit- 
ed by her mother, to whom she remarked that 
her effort to find the church had been unsuccess- 
ful. Her mother then urged her to go, on the 



GOES TO THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 15 

next Sabbath, with Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, to 
the Baptist church : but she still objected ; she 
could not be induced to make any promise, and 
when the Sabbath came she remained at home. 
On the succeeding Sabbath, Mrs. Carpenter in- 
vited her to go that day to the Baptist church. 
She hesitated ; but, after reflecting that Mrs. C. 
had provided her with clothing that she might 
attend church, that she would thereby have an 
opportunity of seeing a Protestant church, that 
she need not listen to the services, but that she 
could do as she advised her brother John to do, 
namely, say her own prayers, and as it might 
show her gratitude to Mrs. C. for the articles 
she had received, she consented to go. 

The pastor of the church was in the pulpit 
when she entered in, and at once became an object 
of interest to her, on account of his being there 
without sacerdotal vestments. What ! thought 
she, does he pray and preach in the same kind 
of habiliments as those worn by his hearers? 
Then the bare walls, the absence of pictures, 
images, crucifixes, &c., all gave her the impres- 
sion that there could be very little religion where 
there was such a destitution of its appliances. 
She paid but little attention to the services, her 
mind being chiefly engaged in thinking of the 



16 ATTENDS THE SABBATH-SCHOOL. 

contrast between a Protestant and a Catholic 
church. She however went again in the after- 
noon, and, accompanied by her mother, to the 
conference-meeting in the evening. Some tw^o 
or three days after this, having found the Catho- 
lic church, she went and told her mother, at the 
same time strongly urging her to go with her, 
on the following Sabbath, to their ow^n church ; 
for she began to fear that her mother was de- 
serting her religion, and was in danger of becom- 
ing a heretic ; but her mother refused, and, on 
the contrary, pressed Hannah, more strongly 
than ever, to attend the Baptist church. 

When the Sabbath came, after considerable 
mental conflict concerning the course she ought 
to pursue, she went again to the Baptist church, 
and now she became deeply interested in the ser- 
vices. At noon, Hannah and her mother visited 
the Sabbath-school connected with this church. 
After they had sat a short time in one of the 
back seats, a female teacher Avent to Hannah and 
inquired whether she w^as a visitor only, or one 
who desired to join the Sabbath-school. She 
answ^ered that she w^as a Catholic, but that she 
and her mother had, of late, attended the Bap- 
tist meeting. 

The teacher then invited her to join her class ; 



SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS. IT 

to which, being encouraged by her mother, she 
assented, and took her place with the other 
scholars. 

In the afternoon she attended church again. 
There was one point, in the afternoon sermon, 
of great importance to Hannah, yet it was not 
intentionally brought forward for her sake, for 
the preacher was not as yet aware of the charac- 
ter of this hearer. 

She continued to attend the Sabbath-school, 
but, finding the lessons too difficult, was, after 
two Sabbaths, transferred to another class. The 
Epistle to the Hebrews was the subject of study 
in her former class, and in the one she now en- 
tered the Gospel according to John was under 
examination. 

The lesson, on the second day of her attend- 
ance in this class, was a part of the third chapter 
of the Gospel, consisting of Christ's conversation 
with Nicodemus. 

The subject of the lesson, together with the 
manner in which the teacher presented it, made 
a deep impression on the mind of Hannah. ' ' Is 
what I have now heard true?" she mentally 
inquired. ^^ If it is, I am in imminent danger of 
losing my soul." She had read the lesson care- 
fully ; and now, having listened to the explana- 
2^ 



18 SERIOUS IMPRESSIONS. 

tions and touching appeals of the teacher, she 
became deeply affected. Sl^e could not avoid 
perceiving that she needed a change of heart ; 
but then, of what avail was all her former devo- 
tion ? She had been baptized according to the 
formula of the Romish church, she had been 
confirmed, she had been shrived, she had re- 
ceived the sacrament of the supper, — and were 
not these efficacious ? 

At the close of the lesson, the teacher went to 
the pastor of the church, who is generally pres- 
ent at the Sabbath-school, and informed him that 
she had in her class an interesting, intelligent 
Irish girl, a Roman Catholic, who, from her 
queries and evident interest in the lesson, she 
inferred was beginning to be anxious about the 
salvation of her soul. She desired the pastor to 
visit her class on the ensuing Sabbath, that she 
might introduce the girl to him, and thus secure 
to her the benefit of his instruction ; with which 
request he promised, if possible, to comply. This 
occurred on the second Sabbath in July, 1852. 

On the following Sabbath, another engage- 
ment prevented the pastor from attending the 
Sabbath-school; and, from some cause, he 
could not visit the class in which Hannah had 
been placed previous to his summer vacation. 



SHE VISITS THE PASTOR. 19 

which occasioned his absence duriiig the month 
of August. 

It was not until about the middle of Septem- 
ber that he had a personal interview with her. 
She was then accompanied bj her teacher to the 
pastor's study, and introduced by her as the 
Catholic girl of whom she had spoken on the 
second Sabbath in July. On this occasion he 
had a long and most interesting conversation 
with her, in which he learned the workings of 
her mind, her struggles with her former preju- 
dices, her conviction of her sinfulness, and the 
means by which she had so far penetrated into 
the errors of popery as to be convinced that no 
degree of attention to the mere ceremonies of 
religion can ppssibly change the heart ; that the 
Spirit of God alone can effect this ; that Christ 
alone can forgive sins, and that there is no other 
mediator between God and man but the man 
Christ Jesus. He learned, also, how, at last, 
she found peace in believing. At the same 
time, he explained to her the way of life and sal- 
vation more fully than she had previously under- 
stood it, by directing her attention to passages 
from the sacred Scriptures in confirmation of his 
views, and by earnestly requesting her to search 
those Scriptures for herself, assuring her that 



20 THE BIBLE OUR GUIDE. 

this is the inalienable right of every individual. 
He exhorted her to form her own opinions from 
the inspired volume, and not to rely on the 
instructions of others, — not even on th(5se he 
might impart, — unless she found them to be in 
accordance with the standard of divine truth. 
He reminded her '' that the main point of diflfer- 
ence between the Romish church and Protestant 
consisted in 'this : the former restrict, or entirely 
withhold, the reading of the Bible from the 
laity, while the latter believe and teach that it is 
the undeniable right of every man to read and 
judge for himself in matters of conscience and 
religion ; for, as each man must answer for him- 
self before the bar of God, so has each man a 
right to consult the wdll of his Maker, and to 
ascertain for himself what God requires of him. 
To his own Master he standeth or falleth ; yea, 
God is able to sustain him, without the interfer- 
ence of any created being ; nor has any being, 
less than the Almighty, the right to interfere. 
The Protestant sentiment of religious liberty, 
and the true sentiment, because deduced from 
the declarations of Holy Writ, is, that, with re- 
spect to a man's religious views and practices, 
no human being, even though he be minister, 
priest or pope, has anything to say by way of 



LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. 21 

dictation. Nor has any government or earthly 
power any right to prescribe modes of faith, but 
simply to protect every individual in the exer- 
cise of his religion, under whatever form he may 
feel conscientiously bound to practise the same, 
provided he does not trespass on the liberty of 
others. 

If any sect contends that its claims are par- 
amount, and that others must submit to its 
authority, it would then become the duty of the 
government, and especially our government, to 
interfere, and to say to such a community, 
*^ You may freely enjoy the exercise of your re- 
ligion, so far as it relates to yourselves and your 
duty to God ; but when, for any purpose what- 
ever, you begin to infringe on the rights of other 
denominations, or deny, even to your own mem- 
bers, if they choose to exercise it, the right 
which God has given, — the right of consulting 
their own consciences in religious affairs, — 
though you may urge the injunctions of your 
religion as your sanction, still, for the protection 
of the rights of others, you must be prohibited 
from exercising 3uch powers." 

In all other cases, the civil power has noth- 
ing to do with religious opinions or practices. 
But in the case of the Catholics, however, it is 



22 ROMANISM ADVERSE TO LIBERTY. 

impossible for government not to interfere, if it 
would defend the rights of others ; because they, 
as a religious body, are bound, by the decrees 
of councils, and the bulls of popes, to demand 
that for themselves which does infringe on the 
rights of others. Their creed requires them to 
deny to their members the right of private judg- 
ment; to oppose, by force if necessary, their 
departure from the church ; and, whenever they 
have sufficient power, to compel others to become 
Catholics also. The Romish church, being 
founded upon political principles, governed by 
worldly motives, and directly opposed to the 
kingdom of Christ, aims at nothing less than 
universal political dominion. And this it does 
under the name and pretended sanction of 
religion ; urging as the plea why its unreasona- 
ble requirements should be complied with, and 
its intolerant practices pass unquestioned, that 
these constitute a necessary part of its religious 
practice. So that liberty of conscience and the 
Roman Catholic religion cannot exist together ; 
for, where absolute power is vested in the 
priests, — Avhere there is a confessional, where 
there are pen^ces, where the priests are bound, 
by the most solemn oaths, to promote the inter- 
ests of Rome, — such a church, if it gain the 



IT ENSLAVES THE CONSCIENCE. 23 

ascendency, must inevitably destroy all civil 
liberty. 

It is the religious duty of Catholic priests to 
deprive the people of their freedom. — of their 
right to think for themselves, to judge for them- 
selves, and to act for themselves. They bind 
the * people to confess to them their thoughts, 
opinions and actions ; and, if there be anything 
in these of which they do not approve, they as- 
sume the right to control, to correct, and to 
punish. And, in proportion as their church 
increases in influence, it becomes increasingly 
their duty, by every practicable method, to com- 
pel others to conform thereto. On this account, 
it may become the duty of this government to 
lay restraints upon the Catholic church, in order 
that the great charter of civil and religious lib- 
erty may be preserved inviolate. If the Catho- 
lics permit their members to* use the liberty 
which our laws allow them as citizens, and do 
not attempt to intermeddle with the rights and 
liberties of others, nobody will molest them. 
But such is the spirit of popery that to attain 
its ends without compulsory measures appears 
almost impossible. And you need not be sur- 
prised if you yet encounter opposition in with- 
drawing from that church, ^'But/' continued 



24 HER PERPLEXITIES. 

the pastor, '' all I desire of you is to ascertain 
from the word of God what he would have you 
do ; and, being satisfied of that, then in the 
strength of His grace perform your duty, who- 
ever or whatever may oppose ; for, remember, 
if a man's ways please the Lord, he can make 
even his enemies to be at peace with him; 
if the Lord be on our side, we need not fear 
what man can do unto us.'' 

About a month after this, she again visited 
the pastor at his study, and stated that for some 
days her mind had been much perplexed with 
the question whether she had done right in 
leaving the Catholic church ; so much, in- 
deed, that she had thought, at times, that it 
might be well for her to go to confession. 
^'And why did you not go?" inquired he. 
She replied, "Because I was not sure that it 
would be of any service to me. I could not 
learn, from anything I saw in the Bible, that it 
was required of me to confess to a priest ; and 
yet, I have been so accustomed to regard them as- 
having my destiny in their power, that I suppose 
it is difficult to get rid of the feeling." " Well, 
Hannah," added the pastor, "if you find any- 
thing in the word of God to convince you that 
you are doing wrong in leaving the church of 



THE pastor's advice. 25 

Rome, or in neglecting to go to confession, or in 
continuing to attend the Baptist church, then, 
by all means, change your course. Yoti will 
never find us asserting that you must attend this 
church, and not that ; that you must pursue 
such a course of conduct, and no other. 

^^ We advise you to follow the directions of the 
Bible, and then you are sure to be right. And 
now, if you can learn from that source that you 
ought to return to the Catholic church, you 
are at full liberty to do so ; no one will oppose 
you, — that is your own concern. 

^^ But, if you find, from reading the Holy Scrip- 
tures, that you can go immediately, with all your 
sins and sorrows, to the Saviour, and obtain his 
forgiveness ; that the observance of very many 
of the Catholic laws and usages is not enjoined 
in the Bible, and, therefore, to neglect them is 
no sin, — because sin is a transgression of the 
law, not the laws of the church, but the law of 
God as contained in the Bible, — if you find the 
Bible enjoining no such observances as those 
which you have of late neglected, and which 
neglect, as you have admitted, has for a few 
days caused you some doubt ; consider and 
judge for yourself, whether you have any real 
ground of anxiety or distress for not doing that 
3 



26 HER DOUBTS REMOVED. 

for which you cannot find any command in the 
word of God, so long as you believe in the Lord 
Jesus Christ, and do what he has commanded.'' 

The pastor then called her attention to the 
protracted conversation which he held with her 
in September, and requested her to again review 
the plan of salvation ; to assure herself of what 
was required of her in the Scriptures ; and, if 
she there found that it was her duty to return to 
the Catholic church, by all means to do so ; but, 
if therein she discovered a more excellent w^ay of 
being saved, it would be wise on her part to 
accept the latter. 

After a careful review of her past life ; of the 
state of her mind when in her worship she was a 
mere automaton in the hands of the priest ; when 
she considered the way in which the Lord had 
led her to see her sinfulness, and the fulness 
there is in Christ ; Avhen she compared the free- 
dom she now enjoyed in possession of that lib- 
erty wherewith Jesus makes his people free, with 
the spiritual bondage of Romanism, she became 
fully convinced that the religion which she now 
possessed was not of man, but of God ; and, 
under this conviction, her mind was perfectly 
freed from all further doubt as to the propriety 
of renouncing the system in which she had been 



SECOND VISIT TO THE PASTOR. 27 

educated, having discovered that religion to be 
political and not scriptural, of man and not of 
Christ. 

From this time she began to think of abjuring 
Romanism, and of publicly connecting herself 
Avith the Baptist church. 

In a subsequent visit to the pastor, in com- 
pany with one of the female teachers of the Sab- 
bath-school, the inquiry was made of him if 
Hannah had not better make a profession of her 
present faith, according to the usages of the 
Baptist church. To this he replied by directly 
addressino; her, and askino; if she desired to do so. 
Her answer was, '^ I wish to do whatever the word 
of God enjoins." He then instructed her, at some 
length, on the nature and importance of an open 
profession of her faith ; on the design of the 
Saviour in instituting the ordinances of the 
gospel ; on the simplicity and significancy of 
those ordinances : on the state of heart required 
previous to their observance ; on the difference 
between our views of these outward forms and 
the views held by the Catholics ; and on the 
importance of possessing personal evidence of 
regeneration and acceptance with Christ, and of 
so living as to give that evideiBe to others, pre- 
vious to making a public profession of religion. 



2§ THE DESIGN OF BAPTISM. 

He assured her that the act now contemplated 
was not intended merely to show that she had 
renounced one form of religion and had embraced 
another. It was something higher and far more 
important than that. It was a public declara- 
tion that she had chosen Christ for her Saviour, 
and that in future she would serve him. It was 
to proclaim her faith in his death and resurrec- 
tion, and in his power to save her from all sin. 

^^And now, Hannah," said the pastor, '4f 
you understand this, and sincerely believe that 
you are a Christian, there can be no objection to 
your being baptized. Remember, however, that 
baptism can do you no good, unless you are 
truly born of the Holy Spirit, and have become 
a child of God. And it is for this reason that 
we examine candidates so carefully. We must 
have evidence that they have passed from death 
unto life ; and then we admit them to baptism, 
that they may proclaim their faith before the 
world ; and that we, by administering the ordi- 
nance, may declare publicly that we believe 
they have been already accepted by the Lord." 

It was now understood that arrangements 
would be made that she might enjoy the ordi- 
nance of baptis" if, after a careful examination 
of what had been said, and on comparing the 



SHE RENOUNCES ROMANISM. 29 

same with the teachings of the sacred Scriptures, 
she desired to be baptized. 

On Friday evening, Dec. 31st, 1852, she 
came before the church and related her Chris- 
tian experience ; in the course of which she 
alluded to her former reverence for the Romish 
church, and described the means by which she 
had been enabled to detect its fallacies. She 
said that the Spirit of the Lord had applied the 
truths of the gospel to her heart, deeply affect- 
ing her with a disclosure of her own sinfulness, 
leading her to Christ as the only Saviour of 
sinners ; that when she trusted in Him, the 
intercession of the Virgin Mary and prayers to 
the saints became utterly useless in her estima- 
tion ; that she was convinced the religion of the 
Bible was the only true religion ; that the Cath- 
olic worship was not in accordance with the 
oracles of God : and that she was now prepared, 
as her own voluntary act. being constrained by 
the force of truth alone, to renounce Romanism 
and the communion of the Roman church, and 
to unite with the church whose doctrines and 
practice appeared to be more in harmony with 
the holy Scriptures. 

After hearing this clear and explicit state- 
ment, the members of the church voted unani- 
3* 



30 SHE IS BAPTIZED. 

mously to receive her to the fellowship of the 
church, after her baptism. 

It having been reported that a young Irish 
girl was about to abjure the Catholic religion, 
and unite with the Baptist church, quite a 
number of Catholics, and with them the mother 
of Hannah, were present, listening with atten- 
tion and respect to the above recital. 

On the 'Sabbath following, she was baptized 
by the Rev. T. F. Caldicott, and received into 
the First Baptist Church, Charlestown. 






CHAPTER II. 

ZEAL REPELLED PERSECUTION TO BE EXPECTED SHE DE- 
SIRES TO DO GOOD CAUTIONED ABOUT THE MODE CAU- 
TIONED AGAINST A WRONG SPIRIT KINDNESS RECOM- 
MENDED RELATIVES ARRIVE FROM IRELAND HER 

MOTHER THREATENS HER EVASION CONSCIENCE 

SIGNS OF DANGER INDUCED TO GO SHOPPING TAKEN 

TO THE PRIEST CONVERSATION WITH THE PRIEST 

REPLIES TO THE PRIEST ACCUSED BY THE PRIEST HER 

MOTHER ENTREATS ELLEN 'S INTERVIEW WITH IMRS. CAR- 
PENTER HANNAH SEES HER PASTOR GUARDIAN PRO- 
POSED GUARDIAN CHOSEN GOES TO BOSTON ABDUC- 
TION. 

So certain was Hannah that the joy she noAV 
felt was the result of divine illumination, the 
fruit of knowing and obeying the truth as it is 
in Jesus, that she was persuaded, could she but 
narrate what she had experienced to members of 
the Catholic church, they would thereby be made 
sensible of their errors. 

Under this conviction, she embraced every op- 
portunity of speaking to such persons as would 
converse with her on the subject. But she soon 



32 ZEAL REPELLED. 

perceived that, instead of listening to her pa- 
tiently, or meeting her statements with well- 
founded arguments, they sought to repulse her 
new-born zeal, by telling her imperatively to 
mind her own business ; accusing her of insin- 
cerity, of acting from mercenary motives, of 
being a miserable poltroon, a turncoat, a traitor 
and a heretic ; of appearing very courageous 
when conversing with those, of her own station in 
society, but that she would not dare to see the 
priest, and relate to him her proceedings. 

To this abusive language her reply was, that 
in renouncing the Catholic religion she had no 
other object in view than the salvation of her 
soul and the glory of God ; and as to conversing 
with the priests, sh^ did not know why she 
should be afraid of that, for she still esteemed 
them the most excellent of men, notwithstanding 
their errors ; and consequently could perceive no 
objection to an interview with them, provided 
they would receive her statements with candor ; 
for, though she might not be able to convince 
them that they were wrong, yet they would 
surely give her credit for sincerity. 

Even after all her pastor had said about the 
religion of a papist leading him to persecute, so 
exalted was her opinion of the Roman priest- 



PERSECUTION TO BE EXPECTED. 33 

hood, that she could not in her heart believe 
that any priest would refuse to hear her tell how 
God, and not man, had conducted her in her 
present course ; or, on hearing her statements, 
would not be convinced that she had left the 
Catholic church under the influence of no mer- 
cenary or unworthy motives. Hence she was as 
willing to enter into conversation with a priest 
as with any other individual. 

A day or two after one of these interviews 
with some of her Catholic acquaintances, she met 
with her pastor, and informed him that, in her 
eflbrts to benefit them, she had been much tried 
by their repelling her so abruptly, especially by 
their attributing her conduct to unworthy mo- 
tives. She, therefore, desired to know what she 
should do in the futtire. He answered her by 
inquiring if she had ever read how the Jews 
treated our Saviour ; how, when he came to his 
own people, they received him not ; and, though 
none could doubt that Christ was rio;ht, beino: 
actuated by the purest motives, and giving 
abundant evidence that he was sent of God, 
yet his own nation charged him with being a 
deceiver, and with having the spirit of the devil. 
And had she not read the declaration of Christ 
to his disciples, that if they so persecuted him, 



34 SHE DESIRES TO DO GOOD. 

the Lord and Master, they Avould surely not 
permit the disciples to go free ? On the con- 
trary, the real disciple of Jesus, in advocating 
the cause of his Master, must expect persecution. 
Christ himself has taught him this lesson, and 
admonished him not to shrink from it, by declar- 
ing that if any man so fears persecution, that, 
for the sake of saving his life, he becomes false 
to the religfon of Christ, instead of saving him- 
self he shall lose his soul ; but, whoever is 
willing to lose his life for the sake of Christ and 
his gospel, by so doing shall secure his soul's 
salvation. "Fear not," says the Saviour, 
''those who kill the body, and then have no 
more that they can do; but fear Him who is 
able to destroy both soul and body in hell." To 
be persecuted for righteousness' sake is one of 
the evidences of real discipleship ; for, if a man 
will live godly in Christ Jesus, he shall suffer 
persecution. '' It may seem hard, Hannah, to 
be charged with base motives when you are con- 
scious of the truest sincerity ; but, remember 
this is a very small matter when compared with 
what some have suffered, or with what you may 
yet suffer, if you persist in endeavoring to bring 
over the Catholics to your present faith." 

''Well, sir, but what shall I do?" she in- 



CAUTIONED ABOUT THE MODE. 35 

quired ; ^' shall I pass them, and say nothing to 
them ? Feeling, as I do, that, trusting in their 
forms of religion for salvation, while strangers 
to a change of heart, they must be lost, and 
knowing that I can tell them where they may 
learn the way of life, how can I refrain from 
doing so?" ^ 

^^Do as the Bible and your own conscience 
direct, Hannah, — only count the cost. But let 
me carefully guard you against some mistakes, 
into which you may be drawn incautiously, even 
though at first impelled by the purest motives, 
and the real principles of Christianity. From 
the fact that Christians are to expect opposition 
in the faithful discharge of their duty, there is a 
possibility that some may be induced to court 
opposition : to run unwisely into the very face of 
it, where they can expect nothing else : and that 
they may do this, not from a hope of doing good, 
but simply for the sake of awakening persecu- 
tion, that they may show how bold they are, or, 
by inducing this opposition, increase the evidence 
of their discipleship. All this is wrong. Our 
object should ever be to do good. This, and 
this alone, should animate us. If there be any 
reasonable prospect of finally accomplishing any 
good, we are not to shrink from opposition, how- 



36 CAUTIONED AGAINST A WRONG SPIRIT. 

ever violently our efforts may excite it. The 
evil to be guarded against is that of courting 
opposition for the notoriety it may give us, in- 
stead of bearing it patiently in our endeavors to 
benefit our fellow-creatures. 

^^ Another thino: ao-ainst which I would cau- 
tion you is, attempting to do good in a wrong 
manner. Persons, in their zeal to bring others 
to Christ, frequently err in the mode by which 
they seek to accomplish it, especially if their 
efforts are opposed. In such a case, it is no 
uncommon thing for the advocate of truth to be- 
come so earnest and ardent as to be impatient 
of contradiction, to lose his temper, to use harsh 
language in reply to harsh epithets received, to 
retort the charges made against him, and, in his 
turn, to becom^e a railer and an accuser. Not 
only is there danger that, in our zeal for the 
truth, we may be seduced into a wrong motive, 
but, even though our motive be pure, we are lia- 
ble to do a right action in a wrong way, and thus 
afford our enemies an opportunity to speak evil 
of the good we intended to perform. 

' ' Those who are so situated, in the providence 
of God, as to be impelled by duty to exert them- 
selves for the benefit of others, in a way that 
will excite opposition, need to guard most care- 



KINDNESS EECOMMENDED. 37 

fully against these dangers. And yet, Hannah, 
if you believe that God will enable you to con- 
verse with your Catholic friends in such a way 
as not necessarily to arouse their anger, by all 
means avail yourself of every opportunity of do- 
ing them good ; for there is not effort enough of 
this kind put forth for their conversion, the gen- 
eral idea having been that they were beyond the 
reach of gospel influences, and, instead of labor- 
ing faithfully and in the spirit of kindness for 
their salvation, too many have adopted the same 
course towards them that the Catholics have tow- 
ards others, namely, condemning them to per- 
dition, giving them opprobrious names, and treat- 
ing them as enemies. 

''Now, Hannah, the only way to benefit the 
Catholics is to love them ; to love them as the 
Saviour loved us when he came to die for us, and 
to manifest our love by treating them kindly, and 
by using every effort to enlighten them and to 
bring them to Christ. 

''At first they will probably suspect we are 
their greatest enemies, for interfering with that 
which they regard of so much importance. But 
if, from our conciliatory manner, they perceive 
we are influenced only by a spirit of love to them, 



38 RELATIVES ARRIVE FROM IRELAND. 

this will, in God's own time, disarm them of 
their opposition. 

^' We must never adopt the idea of compelling 
persons to become Protestants, nor even of forc- 
ing infidels to embrace Christianity. This is the 
doctrine of that church from which you have 
withdrawn, but it is not the doctrine of the 
Bible, and we must not imitate the Romish 
church in this particular. If we make converts, 
they must be made by love, and not by compul- 
sion." With these remarks, the pastor left her 
to pursue such a course as the providence of 
God should indicate to be her duty. 

About this time some of her mother's relatives 
came from Ireland and settled in Boston, and 
after their arrival Hannah perceived a marked 
alteration in the conduct of her mother, who now, 
instead of willingly accompanying her to the 
Baptist church, began to manifest a reluctance 
to go, and, more than this, to inquire how she 
would meet her cousins, having deserted the 
church. She occasionally intimated that, in her 
opinion, Hannah had done wrong, and that she 
had better recant. 

At such times Hannah maintained her ground 
fearlessly, telling her mother that she knew 
she was right in so doing; and added, ^*I 



HER MOTHER THREATENS HER. 39 

hope to see the day when you will be truly con- 
verted, and when that comes you will leave the 
church as readily as I did." To this the mother 
replied, '^ I shall never leave the Catholic church 
and the Blessed Virgin, and I am only sorry that 
I did not prevent you. I will take care that 
none of the other children become corrupt." 
Hannah answered, ''You should have taken care 
earlier, mother, for Johnny has turned already. 
I have been writing to him and he to me, and 
he says he thinks and feels about the Catholic 
church just as I do." At this point, the mother 
threatened to bring the priest, and to leave her 
in his power, so that an eflfectual stop might be 
put to her present course. She replied that 
that would make no difference, for she was not 
afraid of the priest ; she would as soon see a 
priest as any one else. 

These conversations, as she had opportunity, 
were afterwards related by her to her pastor, 
who at such times would inquire if she had been 
quite respectful to her mother, as he hoped that 
in every interview with her Hannah would ex- 
hibit the affection and submission of a child, 
while maintaining all the firmness of a Christian; 
remembering that a change in her religious 
views did not change her relation to her mother ; 



40 EVASION. 

that shfe was still her child, and bound to rever- 
ence her, and in everything to obey her, except 
in such acts as involved disobedience to God. 
He told her that it would be commendable in 
her to be more kind and gentle, more obedient 
and affectionate, to her mother, than she had ever 
been previously, as that would be more likely 
than anything else to convince her of the reality 
of the change professed to have been experienced 
by Hannah. 

^' I will try to do as you say," was her reply; 
'^but, sir, it is so strange to see how she acts 
and to hear how she talks now, when she did so 
much to get me to go to your church, I can 
scarcely think she is in earnest.'' 

'^ Never mind, Hannah: if she does wrong, be 
sure that you do not, for remember there is an 
old adage that ^ two wrongs never made a 
right.' " 

In a few days after one of these interviews 
with her pastor, she again called to see him, be- 
cause something she had done troubled her. It 
appears that on the evening of the previous Sab- 
bath a cousin from Boston came to visit her, and, 
on inquiring if she had been out during the day, 
Hannah remarked that she had been out three 
times, — twice to church and once to the Sab- 



CONSCIENCE. 41 

bath-school. This last expression appeared sin- 
gular to her cousin ; if she had said that she had 
been to catechism, it would have been understood. 

Her mother, who was present, having noticed 
the surprise and suspicion which her reply had 
awakened, said that she meant she had been to 
catechism, at the same time making signs to 
Hannah to acquiesce in this explanation. 

Her object in visiting the pastor at this time 
was to ascertain his opinion of her conduct in 
yielding to her mother for the purpose of deceiv- 
ing her cousin. 

He asked her what she thought of it herself. 
She stated that she felt as though she had done 
wrong, that she had sinned against God in so 
doing. 

^'But," said the pastor, ''you obeyed your 
mother." 

''Yes, sir; and you told me that it was my 
duty to do so, except when it interfered with my 
duty to God." 

" Well, Hannah, and how does this interfere 
with your duty to God? " 

" Why, sir, you know that lying is forbidden; 
and was it not lying to make my cousin believe 
that I went to the Catholic church to say my 
4^^ 



42 SIGNS OF DANGER. 

catechism, when in fact I went to your Sabbath- 
school?'' 

^' I am glad that you perceive this distinction. 
This incident will serve you as an illustration 
how your duty to God will sometimes interfere 
with your duty to your parent. And, Hannah, 
learn from this circumstance never to conceal the 
truth, never to deceive, never to disobey Grod, 
although, in order to obey him, you may be 
compelled to disobey your mother- But in 
every other case forget not your duty to her. I 
earnestly desire that from this occurrence you 
may learn one of the first principles of Christian- 
ity ; that it requires truth under all circum- 
stances, even when we are with enemies, or with 
those who differ from us in religious sentiments ; 
and, in this particular, Christianity is in direct 
opposition to the Catholic religion, for the latter 
binds its members to hold no faith with heretics, 
— that is, it makes it their duty to lie to those 
not connected with their church." 

Once or twice after this, she went to her pas- 
tor to acquaint him with some new instance of 
opposition or threats, uttered in mysterious lan- 
guage, of some strange event that was to happen 
to her. To these he attached but little import- 
ance, supposing that nothing more was intended 



INDUCED TO aO SHOPPING. 43 

than that her mother should, if possible, intimi- 
date her sufficiently to effect her return to the 
Romish church, for the purpose of gratifying her 
relations. But. from a conversation with Han- 
nah on the 10th of February, her affairs began, 
in his estimation, to assume a more serious as- 
pect. The events of the preceding evening 
formed the principal subject of apprehension at 
that time. She commenced by stating that her 
mother had recently threatened a great many 
times what she would do to her if she did not 
recant ; that she would take her to the priest, 
and that he would exercise the power with which 
God had endowed him to oblige her to return, 
or that he would nearly annihilate her. 

She stated that these threats had been used 
by her mother in such a way as to awaken in her, 
at times, some of her former dread of the priest- 
ly power ; that her mother, who had removed to 
Boston, had several times sent for her to visit 
her, but, on account of the singular course of her 
mother's conduct, she had excused herself until 
the previous afternoon, when her mother ear- 
nestly solicited her to go out with her, stating 
that she had come from Boston for that very 
purpose ; that all she wanted of her was to go 
with her shopping, and, if she did not comply 



44 TAKEN TO THE PRIEST. 

with her wish in this instance, she would never 
speak to her again as long as she lived ; she said 
also that she would keep her out but a short 
time. Mrs. Carpenter told her she had better 
go with her mother, and by this she was induced 
to accompany her. But, having walked through 
several streets without entering any shop, she 
inquired why her mother did not attend to the 
business for which she came out. The latter 
replied that there was time enough, and asked 
if she would not like to see the Catholic church. 
To this she answered No, she had no desire to 
see it. Still the mother continued to advance, 
by a circuitous route, to a street in the rear of 
the church, and, passing through the garden of 
the sexton, from which there is a way to the 
priest's residence, immediately in rear o£ and 
adjoining the church, she rang the bell, on 
which the door was opened, and both were invited 
into the room. There was no one present with 
them in the room but the priest, except in one 
instance, when the priest's assistant passed 
through. Mr. L., the priest, invited her to take 
3; seat, which she did, occupying one directly 
opposite to where he was sitting. He then 
inquired, 

'^ Do you know me ? " 



CONVERSATION WITH THE PRIEST. 45 

She replied, ''I do not." 

'' Did you ever see me before? " 

She said, ^^No." 

*' What, do you not know your pastor? " 

''Yes." 

\' But do you not go to see your pastor? " 

^'^ Yes, I do." 

'^ Who is your pastor ? " 

''Mr. Caldicott." 

At this reply, he uttered an exclamation in 
Irish, signifying in English " My soul to God! " 

She was then told by her mother that she was 
conversing with the Catholic priest. On hear- 
ing this, she inquired, 

" Are you the priest? " 

"Yes." . 

He then commenced talking with her on the 
subject of religion, telling her that she was in 
the wrong way, in the way to destruction. She 
said she did not think so, that she regarded her- 
self as perfectly safe. "You know in your 
heart, my child, that you are not right; you 
kno# that the religion which you have now 
chosen is the invention of men, while the church 
you have abandoned was founded by Christ and 
his apostles. And Jesus Christ says, ' He that 
will not hear the church, let him be unto thee as 



46 REPLIES TO THE PRIEST. 

a heathen man and a publican.' Christ has also 
said," exclaimed the priest, in great anger, ^^that 
' the gates of hell shall not prevail against the 
church.' " She told him she believed the church 
with which she was now connected to be older 
than the Catholic church ; that it had come down 
from the apostles, and she thought this would be 
evident to any impartial reader of the New Tes- 
tament. 

Her mother interrupted her and said, ^'The 
Bible is the devil's book." She then asked the 
priest if the Bible was wicked. He told her it 
was not if she had the right one, but the Protest- 
ant Bible was not good, because it was gotten up 
by Luther. She remarked that she did not know 
much about Luther, only that he came out from 
the Papal church, yet still retained some of its 
practices. Other conversation followed, in which 
the priest contended that the Baptist religion was 
only a few hundred years old. 

'' Will you tell me the meaning of " 

'^Hush!" said he, ^^ask me no more ques- 
tions. You don't know any more than that Can- 
dlestick : you talk like a parrot." 

As he said this he stamped on the floor. She 
was about to ask him the meaning of a passage 
of scripture. Her mother again interposed, by 



ACCUSED BY THE PRIEST. 47 

teliing her that she must give herself up to the 
priest. At this she shook her head, and answered 
•^No." The priest said she was too far gone; 
he was sorry for it ; he thought it would be of 
no use to talk any more. She told him that she 
wished him to talk as much as he pleased, that 
she w^ould be glad to converse with him. He 
then urged her to return to the church and be 
governed by her commands, warning her of her 
danger if she did not. She assured him that she 
did not wish to be governed by the church, for 
in that case she could not have the Bible to read, 
nor exercise the right of her own judgment. 
He told her she might have the Catholic Bible, 
and read it as mucTi as she desired. He in- 
quired why she was baptized; if she did not 
know that she had received a better baptism in 
the Catholic church than she could possibly re- 
ceive elsewhere. 

She said she W2^s baptized because she had 
experienced the religion of Jesus Christ, 

•'Experienced nonsense!" he replied; -'do 
you call that the religion of Christ? '^ 

She said she did call that the religion of 
Christ, and she believed that nothing could in- 
duce her to part with it, not even if she had to 
suffer for it. 



48 HER MOTHER ENTREATS. 

" Then you think you could suffer, do you? " 
said he. '^ Well, I reckon by the time you 
were roasted on one side, you would be ready to 
give it up. To make everything plain to you, 
I will tell you what you are. You are a very 
bad girl, and are possessed of devils ! '' He 
then inquired how much wages she obtained in 
her present situation, and, on being informed that 
she received for the present fifty cents a week, 
he exclaimed, ''My God! only fifty cents! 
Don't go back there again ! I will find you a 
place at two dollars a week. Don't go near them 
again, — not even for your clothes. Stay here, 
and I will see that you are provided with every- 
thing you need." 

She told him that she must go back to Mrs. 
Carpenter ; that it was not the amount of wages 
that she cared for ; that she had found that in 
her present situation which Avas above all price ; 
that her work was light, and that she enjoyed 
religious privileges which she esteemed more 
than any money he could give her. 

He then desired her, on returning to her 
place, to give Mrs. Carpenter a week's warning 
that she would leave her. 

She said she certainly would not do so. Her 



Ellen's interview with mrs. c. 49 

mother, however, declared that, if Hannah did 
not, she would do it for her. 

They now left ; but not before the priest and 
her mother had extorted a promise from her to 
visit the priest again on the Monday evening fol- 
lowing. As they well going from the priest's, 
her mother asked her if she would allow her to 
go and give Mrs. Carpenter warning, so that 
she could leave in a week ; but she refused. 

They then separated ; the mother returning 
to Boston, while Hannah, instead of going im- 
mediately home, went to acquaint Mrs. Wilson, 
her Sabbath-school teacher, with the events 
which had just transpired. . 

She informed her pastor that her mother had 
been over again that morning to see her ; that 
she was much agitated, and begged Mrs. Car- 
penter to let her go, pretending that she wanted 
her daughter to have more wages ; at the same 
time moaning and sighing. Mrs. C, suspecting 
that the lowness of the wages was not the true 
reason why she wished her daughter to leave, 
asked Ellen if the wages was the cause of her 
trouble. To which she replied that she did not 
care anything about the wages ; that she must 
have Hannah to be a Catholic, for, if she did 
not, her o\\ii, as well as Hannah's soul, would 
5 



50 HANNAH SEES HER PASTOR. 

be lost ! That the priest would not allow her 
confession, or give her communion, or anoint her 
at her last day, unless she succeeded! ^'And 
now," said she, '' I have to fast seven days ; and 
before the end of that time I shall die ! " Then 
turning to Hannah, she 'implored her to leave 
and go with her, and save her from the misery 
she then endured, and from the dreadful end 
that awaited her ! To which Hannah replied 
that she pitied her ; but to make the change re- 
quired was impossible, for God had changed her 
heart, and she could not undo what He had 
done.^ 

Having made these statements to the pastor, 
she was very desirous to know what, in his opin- 
ion, she ought to do ; how far she should comply 
with her mother's wishes, and how she should 
conduct herself in her next intercourse with the 
priest ; whether she should persist in asking him 
questions, or simply listen to his observations in 
silence. 

The pastor remarked that he thought she had 
better not go at all; that a promise extorted 

* This statement has been corroborated by the testimony 
of Mrs. Carpenter, to whom it was exhibited for that 
purpose. 



A GUARDIAN PROPOSED. 51 

from her under such circumstances could not, in 
his opinion, be obligatory. 

'' But," said she, ^^ as I have made the prom- 
ise, had I not better keep it ? Can I conscien- 
tiously disregard it ? Besides, had I not better 
go, and show that I am not afraid to talk with 
the priest; and may it not be the means of prov- 
ing to him that the change is of God? "• 

'^ If you feel at all conaJjfctious about it, 
Hannah, be sure and act in a^rdance with the 
dictates of your conscience ; never stifle its voice, 
nor oppose its decisions; and, when you visit 
the priest, do not fail to treat him respectfully. 
^ Probably the less you have to say to him the 
better, unless you perceive that your silence is 
construed into an inability to give a reason for 
the hope that is in you." 

''And shall I tell him, sir, that I have seen 
you, and have informed you of my interview 
with him last evening 7 For, when I was about 
leaving, he said, ' Now, take care that you do 
not go and tell Caldicott that you have seen 
me.' But I told him that I should certainly 
tell you." 

''Yes; tell him that you have seen me, and 
tell him what I have said to you." 

Having reviewed all these circumstances, her 



52 A GUARDIAN CHOSEN. 

pastor concluded that it was time to adopt some 
measures for her protection. Accordingly, the 
next morning he called upon her at Mr. Carpen- 
ter's, and inquired of her if she understood the 
nature of the relationship existing between a 
guardian and his ward. On being answered in 
the negative, he gave her an explanation of their 
relative position ^at the same time telling her 
that she had tl^Bght of choosing a guardian, 
and putting herself under his protection ; and, 
if she exercised this right, her guardian would 
see that she was not unduly interfered with, 
or, even, if she desired it, would accompany her 
when visiting the priest. She said that she 
should be very glad to have a guardian. The 
names of several individuals were presented, 
with the inquiry whether any of them would be 
chosen by her. She designated Mr. Carter, and 
was informed that her pastor would acquaint Mr. 
C. with her choice, and ascertain the probability 
of his accepting the trust. His consent having 
been obtained, she was told that the pastor was 
going the next day to the office of the Probate 
Court, in East Cambridge, to obtain the neces- 
sary papers for appointing him the guardian of 
two minors ; and, if she Avould go to that place 
in company with him and Mr. Carter, the pre- 



GOES TO BOSTON. 53 

liminary steps could be taken for constituting 
Mr. Carter her guardian. 

On Saturday morning, Hannah, with Mr. C. 
and the pastor, and the minors who had chosen 
him for their guardian, went together to East 
Cambridge, and appeared before J. F. Jones, 
Esq., justice of the peace for the County of Mid- 
dlesex. She then declared that the selection of 
Mr. Carter as her guardian was her own free 
and voluntary act. On their return, the pastor 
remarked, with considerable satisfaction, that it 
was his opinion the priests would have to be 
very expert, if they evaded the security which 
this act would give her when it was consum- 
mated ; and, knowing that it would be confirmed 
on the following Tuesday, at the sitting of the 
Probate Court in Charlestown, he had no idea 
that any untoward event would transpire in the 
mean time. Little did he imagine that efforts 
would be made, before the close of the day, to 
render abortive all that had been done for her 
protection. 

In the afternoon of that day (February 12), 
her brother John came from Lynn, and desired 
her to go with him to Boston, and show him 
where their mother lived, as he had not called 
upon her since she removed from Charlestown. 
5=^ 



54 ABDUCTION. 

She was very unwilling to go, being apprehen- 
sive of some evil design, and therefore she re- 
fused, till Mrs. Carpenter advised her to go, 
telling her that it would gratify her mother, and 
that she need not fear, as she would not be 
scolded in the presence of John. 

In company with her brother, she left Charles- 
town between two and three in the afternoon, 
with the understanding that she was to return 
as speedily as possible. Hour after hour, how- 
ever, passed away, and night closed in, but 
there was no appearance of her return. 

Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter passed a most uneasy 
night, in their restless apprehension of danger 
on her account. And the next day, at noon. 
Mr. Carpenter, in company with Mr. Carter, 
went to No. 6 Grove-place, Boston, where Mrs. 
Corcoran resided, in search of her. 

Having inquired if she had remained there all 
i^ight, they were told that she stayed till it was 
somewhat late, and that then the mother and 
John accompanied her as far as the Fitchburg 
Depot, and, bidding her good-night, parted from 
her there, seeing that she was safely on the way 
to Charlestown. 

Mr. Carter observed that if what Mrs. Cor- 
coran had stated was true, Hannah must either 



ABDUCTION. 55 

have been drowned or forcibly taken away. 
But, perceiving that this suggestion did not 
awaken much anxiety on the part of the mother, 
he was greatly perplexed ; and her inopportune 
indifference eventually produced the conviction 
that some unfair means had been employed with 
respect to Hannah, with the knowledge and by 
the consent of her mother. 



CHAPTER III. 

EFFORTS FOR 'HER RECOVERY RESULTS — THE PRIEST QUES- 
TIONED — HIS REPLY — JOHN EXAMINED POLICE CON- 
SULTED — CITY SOLICITOR ANONYMOUS LETTER IMPORT- 

Ai^T INFORMATION PRIESTS INQUIRED OF ACTION OF 

THE CHURCH — MR. BUTMAN EMPLOYED NOTICES BY 

NEWSPAPERS MR. WELSHES AFFIDAVIT NOT SATISFAC- 
TORY JOHN'S AFFIDAVIT PRIEST'S INTERVIEW WITH 

THE MAYOR THE MAYOR WITH THE PASTOR PLACARDS 

PRIEST INQUIRED OF MR. CARTER IN NEW YORK 

LETTER TO PRIEST LYNDON THE PRIEST'S REPLY 

PRAYER OFFERED JOHN'S AFFIDAVIT ANONYMOUS LET- 
TER PRIEST PROMISES HER RETURN DOINGS OF THE 

COMMITTEE ELLEN GOES FOR HANNAH RIOT IN CHARLES- 
TOWN PRAYER-MEETING NEWSPAPER REPORTS MR. 

CARTER IN BUFFALO — MR. BUTMAN IN PHILADELPHIA — 
HANNAH'S RETURN TO BOSTON HER RETURN TO CHARLES- 
TOWN SHE ATTENDS CHURCH. 

On Sunday evening, the 13th of February, 
Mr. Carter, in company with Mr. Bryant, called 
upon the Rev. P. F. Lyndon, who was then the 
Catholic priest in Charlestown, with a determi- 
nation \o investigate the cause of her disappear- 



THE PRIEST QUESTIONED. 67 

ance ; and on inquiring of him if he knew any- 
thing about it, he told them he did not, — that 
he had never seen her but once, a few moments 
only, on the previous Wednesday evening ; and 
as to where she was then he had no knowledge. 
It will be seen, however, in the sequel, that 
he immediately sent his assistant to the place 
where she was confined in Boston, by whom she 
was informed of this visit of Messrs. Carter and 
Bryant. Mr. 0. narrated to the priest the cir- 
cumstances under which Hannah was taken to 
Boston, and the declaration of her mother, that 
she had left her on Saturday evening at the 
Fitchburg Depot, on her way to Charlestown, 
when the mother returned home. He stated to 
the priest that Hannah's mother had lately man- 
ifested a determination to effect her return to the 
Catholic church by coercion ; and that from her 
stratagem to bring about the visit of last Wednes- 
day evening, in connection with her strange de- 
portment with reference to the disappearance of 
her daughter, he was led to suspect that she 
knew where Hannah then was ; and, being as- 
sured that Catholics act chiefly by the direction 
of their priests, he was induced to call on Mr. 
L. to ascertain what he knew concerning this 
matter. 



58 HIS REPLY. 

Mr. C. intimated that, if the girl was not forth- 
coming very soon, there would certainly be trou- 
ble about it, — he did not desire it, and should 
make no trouble personally. '' So far from 
that,'' said he, '^ when the convent was burnt, I 
was one of those who voluntarily shouldered the 
musket in its defence ; and, should there be any 
outbreak, I would do so again ; but I can assure 
you, if that girl is not found, there will be a great- 
er excitement than on the occasion to which I 
have alluded." 

^'It is of no use for you to come here with 
threats," said the priest; ^^it is too late in the 
day for the repetition of any such demon- 
stration." 

Mr. C. replied, *' I do not intend to threaten; 
my object is to learn if you can give any inform- 
ation where the girl may be found, or if you can 
assist in finding her." 

In answer to this, the priest again asserted 
that he knew nothing of her ; that he had never 
seen her, except at the time before stated ; and 
that she came then, of her own accord, to tell 
him that she should never have left the Catholic 
church if she had not been coaxed, scolded, 
bribed and unduly persuaded, by the people with 
whom she lived, and that she wished to come 



JOHN EXAMINED. 59 

back again to the church. He then promised, if 
there was anything which he could do towards 
discovering her, he would cheerfully do it. 

The day following, Mr. Carter went to Lynn, - 
to see if her brother John could furnish any in- 
formation, and whether his account would agree 
with the statement made by the mother. 

On being questioned, he said that he went 
with Hannah and his mother to the depot ; that 
there he bade his sister good-night, and supposed 
that she had gone to Charlestown. 

From all that could be ascertained, it appeared 
highly probable that violence had been resorted 
to, and that, between the Fitchburg Depot and 
Charlestown, she had been taken away by force 
to some place unknown, but not without the con- 
nivance of her mother. 

That the mother knew what had been done 
with her could not but be suspected, from her 
unconcern about her safety, and the apathetic 
language in which she addressed Mr. C. and 
others, telling them they need not be so much 
concerned, — that she dared say Hannah was well 
enough off; yet she still persisted in denying any 
knowledge of what had become of her. 

There were strong suspicions that the priest 
also had some knowledge of her whereabouts, as 



60 POLICE CONSULTED. 

well as of the mode of her disappearance. These 
suspicions arose from the well-known genius of 
the Catholic polity, and from the insinuations of 
Hannah's mother respecting the necessity of her 
course with her daughter. 

Some of the public papers of the day, in no- 
ticing this dark event, asserted that fears were 
expressed of priestly interference having been 
made us6 of in this matter. 

In the course of the day, the chief of the Bos- 
ton police, being consulted, advised Mr. Carter to 
suspend any further proceedings till the next 
day, when he would be legally constituted the 
guardian of Hannah, and could act in the case 
w^ith more efficiency. 

Tuesday^ Feb. 15. — Mr. Carter went early 
to the Probate Court, and was regularly ap- 
pointed the guardian of Hannah Corcoran. He 
then consulted Judge Fletcher, with reference 
to the best course for him to pursue, in order to 
obtain information of his ward, and the posses- 
sion of her person. He was advised to lay the 
case before the Mayor and Aldermen of the city 
of Boston. Finding, however, that they were 
not then in session, he called again on the mother, 
and told her that he was now the legal guardian 
of her daughter. On hearing this, she became 



CITY SOLICITOR. 61 

greatly agitated and enraged, acting like a fran- 
tic woman, or a maniac. He advised her to in- 
form him where Hannah was, that he might take 
her under his protection ; but she still persisted 
in her plea of ignorance of the whole affair. 

Wednesday^ Feb, 16. — Mr. Carter, on con- 
sulting the Mayor and Aldermen of Boston, was 
referred to the City Solicitor, on whom, in com- 
pany with the Chief of Police, he waited, and 
was told that this was a civil case ; that nothing 
could be done in the matter unless the girl should 
be found, and then he might claim her. 

This day an announcement was made, through 
one of the public prints, that Hannah Corcoran, 
the missing girl, was with her mother. 

The excitement about her had by this time 
become intense. Her disappearance was the 
subject of conversation in almost every- circle. 
Every new paragraph in the papers, having ref- 
erence to her, was read with avidity. Various 
opinions were entertained and expressed about 
her character, the manner of her disappearance, 
how it was effected, what agency the priests had 
in it, what had been done with the girl, whether 
she would ever be found, and, if she were found, 
whether she would continue true to her lately- 
adopted religious principles. 
6 



62 ANONYMOUS LETTER. 

Several anonymous communications were re- 
ceived by Mr. Carter, one of which, bearing the 
date of this day, is here copied^, on account of its 
remarkable coincidence with what happened to 
Hannah on the preceding night, and with the 
place where she was then confined, as will be 
seen in her own disclosures. The communica- 
tion is as follows : 

^' Sir: If you secretly obtain an order from 
the proper authorities before they have time to 
remove her, and will search the cells of the 
Catholic churches and nunneries, you will find 
Hannah Corcoran, if she be not already poi- 
soned. 

''No time is to be lost; they will do any- 
thing to prevent the exposure even of an at- 
tempt to confine her, and then, having done so, 
bid defiance." 

Thursday^ Feb. 17. — Mr. Carter went again 
to Boston, to see if somethiing could be done by 
the police, by way of discovering where Hannah 
was, as, from the statement in the paper on 
Wednesday, it appeared probable that she was 
concealed somewhere in or near Boston. On 
consulting Mr. A. F. Neale, Mr. C. was advised 



IMPORTANT INFORMATION. 63 

to employ some policemeiij and let them see the 
mother ; they would then watch her movementSj 
and by that means a clue to the girl might be 
obtained. This advice was followed, and a visit 
made to Grove-place ; but it was found that Mrs. 
Corcoran had left that situation, and removed to 
Jefferson Block. 

One important item of information was ob- 
tained from Mrs. Parker, the lady with whom 
the mother lived when Hannah and her brother 
went to see her on the preceding Saturday. It 
was this. After a long and earnest discussion 
between the mother and daughter in an upper 
room, the latter, on descending the stairs to leave 
the house, was heard to say distinctly, ^'Mother, 
you may do what you please with me, but I 
shall never change my religion, — I can never be 
a Catholic." This testimony was considered by 
her friends as very important, for they had been 
told by the priest that she said she had been se- 
duced into becoming a Baptist. But this decla- 
ration, made under such circumstances, could 
have been induced only by the operations of 
conscience. 

Another point to be gained this day was to 
discover, if possible, the author of the report that 
Hannah was with her mother. This was traced 



64 priests' inquired of. 

to a Catholic residing in Charlestown, wlio, 
being unable to. disprove that he was the writer, 
gave his excuse in terms similar to the follow- 
ing : ^' That the Protestants were making a great 
excitement about the girl, and he considered 
that he had a right to make such a statement to 
allay it." 

Friday ^ Feb. 18. — John Corcoran came 
this day from Lynn to assist in searching for his 
sister ; and on Saturday, the 19th, accompanied 
Mr. Carter to Jefferson Block and Limerick- 
ptace, and then, by the direction of some person, 
to the residence of Rev. G. F. Haskins, priest, in 
Moon-street, where he saw Mr. Walsh, priest, 
by whom he was told that his mother and sister 
had gone out of the State ; but, if he would come 
again in a few days, his mother would have 
returned, and she would then tell him where his 
sister was. He said that Hannah was taken 
away because a man had papers which gave him 
the authority to take her. 

Sunday^ Feb. 20. — At the close of the 
morning service in the church of which Hannah 
is a member, notice was given for the male mem- 
bers to remain after the rest of the congregation 
was dismissed. To these members a statement 
of the facts in this case was made. Mr. Carter 



ACTION OF THE CHURCH. 65 

gave an account of all that he had done thus far 
for the recovery of his ward, submitting the 
same to the judgment of the church. If they 
approved of his proceedings, he desired them to 
appoint a committee with whom he could confer, 
and to whom he could look for counsel. Also, 
as there would probably be considerable expense 
incurred in this undertaking, he deemed it 
proper to inquire whether he should have their 
sanction in incurring such expense. 

A committee was then appointed, (consisting 
of Messrs. Nathl. Heath, Wm. Fosdick and S. 
P. Hill, who were authorized to spare neither 
pains nor expense in using every lawful and quiet 
effort to secure, if possible, the restoration of 
Hannah Corcoran to her liberty. The members 
of the church were then exhorted by the pastor 
to do nothing in this matter to create or promote 
excitement ; to use no unkind language towards 
the Catholics ; to give no countenance by word 
or deed to anything like violence ; in no instance 
to do evil, under the idea that good would result 
therefrom ; but, in a lawful, peaceable way, to 
suffer no means to rest unemployed which were 
likely to result in finding the girl. 

Monday^ Feb. 21. — Mr. Carter and the 
committee chosen to advise and assist him, after 
6=^ 



66 NOTICES OF THE PAPERS. 

consulting Mr. A. F. Neale, engaged Mr. 0. 
Butman to employ his time, and, if he thought 
proper, employ' others to aid him, in his endeav- 
ors to find Ellen Corcoran and her daugher. 
He was desired to exercise his best judgment and 
skill to acccomplish the object in view.^ 

The excitement in the public mind, with 
respect to 4:he mysterious disappearance of Han- 
nah, had become very intense. Scarcely was a 
newspaper issued from Boston or the vicinity, 
without containing some allusion to it. In rail- 
cars, in omnibuses,^ in hotels, in shops, in the 
markets and along the streets, it was the absorb- 
ing topic of conversation. The inquiry every- 
where and from almost every person was, 
'^ Have you heard anything of the missing 
girl?" 

The public journals, in nearly all parts of the 
Union, eagerly copied the statements on this sub- 
ject from the Boston papers, with additional 
comments of their own. Communications were 
addressed to the pastor, from various parts of the 
country, requesting intelligence of the missing 
girl. 

* Mr. 0. Butman had been a most efficient police-officer 
under the city government of Boston, but, being dissatisfied 
with some of its acts, he had lately resigned. 



MR. Welch's affidavit. 67 

The following affidavit, made by Mr. John 
Welch, 106 Purchase-street, before Justice Rus- 
sell, of the Police Court, was published : 

^' Having seen sundry statements in the news- 
papers relative to the missing girl, Hannah Cor- 
coran, calculated to mislead, and rest suspicion 
of undue interference upon certain individuals, 
wholly disconnected with her disappearance; I 
do hereby certify that Mrs. Corcoran and her 
daughter Hannah, came to my house on Satur- 
day evening, Feb. 12th, 1853, about eight o'clock 
unaccompanied by any person ; and the mother 
requested that her daughter might remain in my 
family until she could make arrangements for 
her disposition. That, in a few days, her mother 
came and resided with me also ; and that they 
both left my house on Friday last, and taking 
the cars at the Old Colony raih'oad depot, left 
the city. I hereby further certify that the girl, 
Hannah Corcoran, was perfectly free and unre- 
strained from the time she came to my house 
until she left the same on Friday last, and that 
she frequently w^ent out and returned unaccom- 
panied by any one; also, that she frequently 
expressed a wish to accompany her mother, and 
leave the city." 



68 NOT SATISFACTORY. 

This was duly signed and sworn to. Yet, in 
the sequel, we shall find that she was not per- 
mitted to go out alone ; and that the man who 
makes this affidavit was frequently present when 
the girl's disappearance was the subject of con- 
versation ; and, on one occasion, being questioned 
closely why he did not say she was at his house 
and free, ^hen he heard these discussions, he 
replied ^' That was nobody's business," or, 
" That was their own business." 

This affidavit did not allay the public agita- 
tion, but served to increase it. The taking an 
oath that the girl had been in the very midst of 
a population excited almost to frenzy on ac- 
count of her supposed abduction ; that she was 
abroad among those who were in earnest search 
of her, and who would have given anything to 
find her ; and this, too, sworn in the very face 
of the mother's positive declaration that she had 
left her at ;the Fitchburg Depot, on her way to 
Charlestown on the night in question, and had 
not seen her up to the following Tuesday ; this 
aggravated the difficulty, and rendered the mys- 
tery still more perplexing. Nobody was satis- 
fied with the explanation; and why was it with- 
held till the mother was gone, and had had 
sufficient time to convey the girl to Montreal or 



JOHN'S AFFIDAVIT. 69 

to Baltimore ? For to one or the other of these 
cities she must have been taken ; at least, so 
concluded the community. 

Tuesday^ Feb, 22. — Mr. Carter went to 
Lynn, to get an authentic and definite account 
from John Corcoran of all he knew respecting 
Hannah's being left by her mother and himself, 
on her way to Charlestown, at the Fitchburg 
Depot ; and obtained the following deposition : 

^' To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. 

'' The undersigned, being a son of Ellen Cor- 
coran and brother to Hannah Corcoran, does 
hereby certify that, on Saturday, the 12th day 
of February, 1853, I went from Lynn to 
Charlestown, and requested sister Hannah Cor- 
coran to go to Boston with me, and show me 
where my mother lived. She went with me, at 
about four p. M., to No. 6, Grove-place; there I 
found my mother, and stayed with her till about five 
o'clock. Then myself, mother, and sister Han- 
nah, went directly to Fitchburg Depot, without 
stopping at any place or conversing with any- 
body, and there left her to go home to Charles- 
town, and since that I have not seen her. And 
from thence we went about the city, but did not 
see Hannah at any time, nor did we go into any 



70 PRIEST AND THE MAYOR. 

house, or have any conversation with any per- 
son; and returned to my mother's house about 
ten o'clock ; stayed with my mother that night, 
and all the next day and night ; and my mother 
did not go out during the time, to my knowl- 
edge. - 

•^ And I do further certify that, during Sun- 
day, Mr. Joseph Carter, of Charlestown, called 
on my motlier to ascertain where my sister was ; 
and my mother told him that she had not seen 
her since leaving her at the depot the evening 
before, and said she did not know where she 
was. ^'JoHN Corcoran. 

'' Sworn to before me, 
'' Essex, ss. B. F. Mudge. 

'^ Feb. 22, 1853." 

This affidavit coincided with his previous de- 
clarations, and consequently neither lessened 
the difficulty nor tended to elucidate the mys- 
tery. 

In the course of the day, the Rev. P. F. Lyn- 
don, of Charlestown, called upon the mayor of 
that city, and assured him that he knew nothing 
whatever of the reasons why the girl was taken 
away, or the means by which it was accom- 



THE MAYOR AND THE PASTOR. 71 

plished ; and he wished the mayor to use his 
influence to relieve him of any implication in this 
affair. To this the mayor consented, but at the 
same time reminded ' him of the discrepancy 
between Mrs. Corcoran's statement and the 
affidavit of Mr. Welch ; also of the fact that 
there was an excitement in the community, 
caused by her disappearance, which, in his opin- 
ion, nothing but her return could allay. Mr. 
L. accused the mother of being a very vile 
woman, unworthy to be trusted or believed, and 
of having brought about all this trouble ; but 
that he (Mr. L.) would use all his influence to 
have her bring the girl back. 

Soon after this, the mayor called upon Han- 
nah's pastor to acquaint him with the above par- 
ticulars, and to assure him that he considered 
Mr. L. to be wholly innocent of any participa- 
tion in the abduction of Hannah, or of any con- 
nivance thereat. He also requested the exercise 
of the pastor's influence with his people and 
others to exonerate the priest, and, as much as 
possible, to allay the increasing excitement. 
With the latter requisition the pastor complied 
cheerfally, having, from the first, done everything 
in his power to prevent the use of exciting lan- 
guage, or the adoption of harsh measures ; and, 



72 PLACARD.^. 

though he was not convinced of the priest's in- 
nocence in this matter, yet he assured the mayor 
that, for the present, he would do nothing to 
counteract the influence of his statements, 
because he would rather everybody should ex- 
onerate the priest than that there should be a 
popular tumult. 

The mayor next sought an interview with her 
guardian, Mr. Carter, to inform him of the 
visit of Mr. L., and that he had promised to do 
all in his power for eflecting the return of Han- 
nah. 

Wednesday Feb, 23. — The excitement was 
increased by the appearance of the following 
handbill, copies of which were posted during the 
night in Charlestown, Boston and other adjacent 
towns. 

"MUST BE FOUND. 

^^ All persons opposed to religious oppression, 
and the imprisonment of a human being for 
opinion's sake, are requested to meet in Rich- 
mond-street, CharlestOAvn, on Wednesday even- 
ing, March 2nd, at seven o'clock. 

'' Charlestown, Feb. 23. 1853." 

In the course of the day, Mr, Carter, in com- 



PRIEST INQUIRED OF. 73 

pany with the committee of advice, being appre- 
hensive of some riotous demonstration, consulted 
their pastor with reference to the best method of 
counteracting such a proceeding without relin- 
quishing the prosecution of the object for which 
they were appointed. 

After a careful review of the unquiet aspect of 
affairs, it was agreed that they should disclaim 
any connivance at the publishing or posting this 
handbill, or any participation whatever in the 
measure, having had no previous knowledge of 
it ; that they should protest against any tumult- 
uous assemblage, the exercise of any violence, 
or the commission of any depredation upon 
either the property or the persons of the Catho- 
lics ; that they should endeavor to make it gen- 
erally known that they would not be present at 
this meeting, except to discountenance any out- 
break; and yet, by every peaceable, lawful 
means, they would earnestly persevere in the 
search for their missing member. 

John Corcoran, being in town to-day. was 
desired by the committee to exert himself in 
obtaining tidings of his sister. For this purpose 
he called upon Priest Walsh, who told him that 
his mother had returned, and might, probably, 
be found at No. 106 Purchase-street. On 
7 



74 MR. CARTER IN NEW YORK. 

going thither, he was directed to Limerick 
Block, Avhere he found his mother, and in- 
quired what she had done with Hannah. She 
said she could not tell him then, but she would 
on the next Saturday, as she intended to go to 
Lynn on that day. Under date of March 1, 
will be found another deposition made by John, 
which explains the reason of his applying to the 
priest for information. 

Thursday^ Feb. 24. — An anonymous letter 
was received by Mr. Carter, stating that Hannah 
was at Patrick Welsh's, 34 Broome-street, New 
York city. He hesitated whether he should 
notice it; but, the announcement being appa- 
rently so straightforward, it was thought advisa- 
ble for him to proceed to New York, in order to 
test the validity of this communication. 

Friday^ Feb, 25. — Mr. Carter, in New 
York, assisted by his brother-in-law, Mr. San- 
ford, late a police-oflScer in that city, after a 
strict search, could not find any No. 34 in 
Broome-street, nor any individual by the name 
of Welsh from whom they could elicit the desired 
information. Consequently, on the Monday fol- 
lowing, Mr. C. returned to Charlestown. 

Saturday^ Feb. 26. — According to her prom- 



LETTER TO PRIEST LYNDON. 75 

ise, Ellen Corcoran went to Lynn, and, during 
a walk with John, professed to tell him what 
she had done with Hannah, and where she then 
was. This will appear in his deposition of 
March 1. 

Impressed with the idea that the priest knew 
something of Hannah's present location, or that 
he could, at least, do something towards discov- 
ering it, the committee addressed the following 
note to hiru : 

^'Rev. p. F. Lyndon. — Dear Sir : The un- 
dersigned, one of a committee appointed to ascer- 
tain the whereabouts of Hannah Corcoran, hav- 
ing understood, through the mayor of this city, 
that you were to make efforts to find her ; and 
having called at your residence several times 
without finding you at home, to inquire whether 
or no you had met with any success ; and having 
left word at your house requesting you to send 
us word when we could see you, without hearing 
from you, — you will confer a favor by leaving a 
note, containing any information Vv-hich you may 
have been able to gather, or whether you have 
been unsuccessful, addressed to Nathaniel Heath 
and others, at Messrs. Fosdick & Carter's, 



76 THE priest's reply. 

Charlestown-square, or stating when or where 
an interview may be had with you. 

'^ Respectfully yours, (signed) 

'^K Heath/^ 



To the above the following answer was re- 
ceived ; 



''Feb, 26, 1853. 
"Nath'l Heath, Esq. — Dear Siii: I am 
very sorry you were so often disappointed in your 
attempts to see me. It appears the servant for- 
got to deliver your message ; otherwise I would 
immediately have attended to it. I regret to 
have to state that, thus far, I have not been able 
to ascertain anything of the whereabouts of the 
girl in question, but assure you that the first 
intimation I may have shall be forthwith com- 
municated to you. 

'^ In the mean time, I remain, dear sir, 
'' Very respectfully, yours, 

'^P. F. Lyndon.^' 

Sunday^ Feb. 27. — To-day, in the prayer- 
meetings and in the sanctuary, in the prayers of 
God's people and of his ministers, Hannah was 
remembered, and petitions presented to the Lord 



PRAYER OFFERED. 77 

that He would protect her, and so order it that 
she might be returned again in safety ; and that 
He would so dispose the hearts of the people 
that there might be no tumult or violence on 
her account ; and, though the citizens might 
have the impression that the rights of a human 
being had been violated, yet, that the Lord 
would incline them to endure the supposed 
wrong rather than retaliate ; and, if injustice 
had been done, to leave to Him the work of retri- 
bution who has said, ^^ Vengeance is mine, I 
will repay, saith the Lord;" and that it might 
be rendered evident that the only evil desired 
was, that the omnipotent Jehovah would, in 
the riches of his boundless grace, convert the 
Catholics, and save them from endless perdition. 

Monday^ Feb. 28. — John Corcoran, suppos- 
ing that his mother had divulged the secret of 
Hannah's present abode, in her statements to 
him on the 23d and 26th inst., came this day to 
Charlestown to inform Mr. Carter of these com- 
munications, as he felt desirous that his sister 
should be brought back and placed under the 
protection of her guardian. 

As thp information thus obtained appeared to 
the committee to be reliable and important, it 
was resolved that the pastor should immediately 
7^ 



78 John's affidavit. 

address tlie pastor of the Baptist church in that 
place by letter, soliciting additional informatiou 
or corroboration of this account, if it were in his 
power to furnish either. Also, that Mr. Carter 
should, on the next day, proceed to Lynn, and 
obtain from John his deposition of the statements 
made by his mother. 

Tuesday^ March 1. — The following is the 
deposition : 

*'I, John Corcoran, being a son of Ellen Cor- 
coran and brother to Hannah Corcoran, hereby 
certify that, on February 19, 1 called on Father 
Walsh, in Moon-street, Boston, and he stated 
that my mother had carried Hannah out of the 
State, because the man that had the papers 
wanted to take her away ; and that, if I would 
come back in a few days, my mother would tell 
me where Hannah had gone. On the 23d I 
called on Father Walsh again, and he sent me 
to John Welch, 106 Purchase-street, and he sent 
me to my mother, in Limerick-place. She told 
me that she and Hannah went to Buffalo, and she 
left Hannah there ; and mother said there were 
many priests and nuns in Buffalo. She said 
she could or would not tell me any more then, 
but would come to Lynn on the next Saturday 



ANONYMOUS LETTER. 79 

and see me, and then tell me more about it. 
On Sunday we walked out together, and she said 
Hannah was in Buffalo, with a Mr. Whitney, or 
Courtney, she could not tell which^ not far from 
the depot on Broadway, — 209, she thought. 
She said Father Walsh paid the fare for both to 
Buffalo, but she paid her own fare back. She 
said she was bound not to tell about it, and the 
priest also. John Corcokan. 

^^ Sworn to before me, 
'^ Essex, ss. B. F. Mudge, 

''March 1, 1852. Justice of the Peace." 

Having obtained the deposition, the committee 
were consulted as to the propriety of Mr. Car- 
ter's going to Buffalo in search of Hannah. On 
comparing the distance from Boston to Buffalo 
with the time that Ellen was absent, and finding 
an agreement, it was the opinion of all that he 
had better go ; and, if any disclosure should be 
made to the committee or to the police employed, 
either to indicate that she was not there or to 
confirm the deposition, that Mr. C. should be 
apprized thereof by telegraphic communication. 

Just before leaving Charlestown for Buf- 
falo, Mr. C. received the following anonymous 
note: 



80 PRIEST PKOMISES HER RETURN. 

^^ State-street^ Boston^ March 1, 1853. 
'^ Mr. Carter : You wolf in sheep's cloth- 
ing, if you give yourself any more trouble about 
that girl, I will give you hell, and never stop 
till I make you bite the dust. 
'^ Remember, 
^'A Native American Catholic, 
, Born in Charlestown, and an 
Officer of the Navy of the U. S.'' 

The contents of ihis note Mr. C. kept to him- 
self for some time, lest its publication should 
aggravate the public excitement to uncontrollable 
fury. 

Wednesday^ March 2. — Mr. Carter took 
the morning train for Albany, on his way to 
Buffalo. ^ 

The committee were anxious to ascertain if 
Ellen had left Boston ostensibly to secure the 
return of her daughter. It was generally under- 
stood that the Mayor of Charlestown had been 
solemnly promised by the bishop and priest that 
she should be despatched with strict orders to 
bring Hannah back to Charlestown. 

Mr. Frothingham, the mayor, in his interview 
with Mr. Caldicott, had stated that the priest, 
Rev. P. F. Lyndon, had promised to do all in his 



DOINGS OF THE COxMMITTEE. 81 

power to have the girl returned ; but it was now 
understood that more definite pledges had been 
given to the mayor by the papal ecclesiastic of 
Boston, and that the mother was about leaving 
that city, or had already left, for that purpose. 

The committee were desirous to learn the real 
facts, that they might inform Mr. Carter, so that 
he should, if possible, see the mother on her way 
to Buffalo, or on her arrival there, if she had 
gone in that direction, in order to prevent her 
from taking her daughter to a greater distance, 
should she make such an attempt. If Ellen 
had not left Boston, and if there were no indica- 
tions of her leaving, the obvious deduction must 
be that no confidence could be placed in the 
promises said to have been made by the Catholic 
clergy. Should it be found that she had actu- 
ally gone, then the committee, as the friends of 
peace and order, felt that they would be fur- 
nished with a fact calculated to allay the excite- 
ment which the absence of the girl had occa- 
sioned. If the committee should discover that 
the mother had not yet gone, but was about to 
go, it was their intention that Mr. Butman 
should see her secretly and accompany her, in 
order to watch all her movements. 

The desired information concerning the moth- 



82 ELLEN GOES FOE, HANNAH. 

er's movements was obtained in the following 
manner : A letter from Ireland, addressed to 
Ellen, had been received by Mr. Joshua Collins, 
son-in-law of Mr. Carter ; but, as he was igno- 
rant of her present location, he could not put her 
in possession of it. This circumstance served to 
point out to the officer and the committee the 
initiatory step in their proceedings. Accord- 
ingly, John Corcoran was requested to make 
inquiries, of the priest and others, for his mother, 
so that her letter could be delivered to her. 
After having been directed from one place to 
another without avail, he was eventually told 
that his mother had gone to the Old Colony 
Depot in quest of his sister. He, with Mr. 
Butman and his assistants, immediately went to 
the depot ; and John, having discovered his 
mother, pointed her out to one of the assistants, 
who took the letter and gave it to her, convers- 
ing with her long enough for Mr. B. to make his 
observations, and the latter, having done so, 
unknown to her, stepped into the cars to accom- 
pany her, and to note all her proceedings ; and 
John went to acquaint the committee with the 
success of his effort. 

A telegraphic communication was sent to Mr. 
Carter, in Albany, to inform him that Ellen and 



RIOT IN CHARLESTOWN. 83 

Butman had started together in the cars at five 
o'clock, p. M. 

There were, during the day, certain indica- 
tions of what might be expected in the evening ; 
and the mayor wisely took every precaution to 
prevent any attack upon the Catholic church 
and the residence of the priest, and to resist it 
should any such attempt be made. A large 
number of special constables was appointed, and 
put under the direction of the city-marshal. 

The Artillery and the City Guards were ordered 
to be in readiness to be called out at a moment's 
notice. Ropes were placed across Richmond- 
street at its junction with Austin and Union 
str.eets ; and all persons were forbidden access 
to that part of Richmond-street on which the 
Catholic church was built, except such as re- 
sided there. Soon after six o'clock in the even- 
ing, men and boys in crowds might be seen 
wending their way towards the Catholic church ; 
the greater part, probably, from curiosity to see 
what would be done. At seven the concourse 
had greatly increased, and by eight p. M. there 
were probably in the vicinity of the church not 
fewer than three thousand persons. The mayor 
was on the ground, and exhibited the utmost 
alacrity for the preservation of order. During 



84 PRAYER-MEETINa. 

the time, the members of the First Baptist 
Church, and many of the congregation, were 
assembled in their lecture-room, to attend to the 
regular Wednesday evening service. The con- 
trast between the scene within that room and 
the scene without was very great. Within, men 
were praying for ^the spirit and temper of Christ : 
without, they were cursing and exciting each 
other to violence. Within, they were singing 
the songs of Zion ; without, the song of the 
drunkard and the noise of revelry. Within, was 
a holy calm ; without, a Avild tumult. Within, 
prayers were offered for the protecting care of 
the Almighty over all. Catholics as well as 
Protestants ; without, there were the purpose 
and the effort to avenge one supposed injury by 
the infliction of another. 

The location of the First Baptist Church is so 
near Richmond-street that the attendants at this 
evening-meeting could hear much of what passed 
in so contiguous a tumult ; and the events of 
that evening gave a peculiar solemnity and 
intensity to the devotional exercises of that 
assembly. 

At about nine o'clock some one gained access 
to the entrance of the Unitarian church, and 
commenced ringing the bell. This was under- 



NEWSPAPER REPORT. 85 

stood to be the signal for an onset upon the 
Catholics ; and the movements of the croAvd, in 
tearing down a fence in Austin-street, together 
with a pressure on the police in the direction of 
the church, induced the mayor to order the 
immediate attendance of the City Guards and 
the Artillery : and, on their appearance, and the 
assurance from the mayor that the girl would be 
returned in a few days, the mob dispersed ; not, 
however, till some twenty individuals had been 
arrested, and a motion had been made, and 
carried, to adjourn and to meet there again on 
Monday next, March 7. 

Thursday^ March 3. — The papers of this 
morning contained a description of the scenes of 
the preceding evening in Charlestown, with the 
various comments of the writers. Speculation 
was rife throughout the day respecting the prob- 
ability of Hannah's return, and what would be 
her course if she did return ; whether she would 
declare herself to be a Protestant still, or say 
that she had been convinced of her error in leav- 
ing the Catholic Church, and had, therefore, 
recanted and returned to it again. The riot 
had been quelled, but the interest felt in the 
fate of the girl Avas more intense than ever. 
Mr. Carter reached Buffalo this morning, hav- 
8 



86 MR. CARTER IN BUFFALO. 

ing travelled all night. He employed police- 
officers to aid him in watching the cars, and to 
trace Mrs. Corcoran, should she arrive in B. ; 
also to discover the place where Hannah had 
been left. This course was continued until the 
evening of the next day, without success ; and 
then Mr. Carter left for home. 

Saturday^ March 5. — A despatch was re- 
ceived by one of Mr. Butman's assistants, who 
were police-officers, from himself, dated Phila- 
delphia, directing them to keep a sharp look-out 
for all the cars from the South, to detect the 
arrival of Mrs. Corcoran and her daughter. 
This they accordingly did, and at about nine 
p. M. the mother and Hannah were observed 
coming out of the Fall River train, which was 
due in the morning, but had been detained until 
night, in consequence of a storm on the Sound. 
One of the officers kept an eye on the movements 
of the wanderers, while another came to inform 
the committee and receive orders. The latter 
officer, with the committee, waited on the pastor 
of the church between ten and eleven o'clock, 
who advised them to visit Mr. Carter, and to 
desire him, if he were able, to attend on Hannah 
in the morning, and to learn from her whether 
she was disposed to claim his protection, or to 



MR. BUTMAN IN PHILADELPHIA. 87 

remain with her mother ; that there be no com- 
pulsion resorted to, or even the semblance of it ; 
and, even though the law authorized him to take 
her person, yet by no means to exercise this 
right, if there should now be the slightest disin- 
clination manifested to it by Hannah. 

This advice w^as given by the pastor in har- 
mony with his statements to Mayor Frothing- 
ham, namely, that when Hannah returned she 
must be placed in such a position as to have the 
fullest assurance that she was at liberty to make 
her own selection of religion and of protection, 
and that, too, without fear of future interfer- 
ence ; for, if she were not so circumstanced, the 
community could not be satisfied. 

Mr. Carter was waited upon, and consented to 
attend in the morning. In the mean time, the 
officers were instructed not to lose sight of Han- 
nah. . 

Sunday^ March 6. — Between nine and ten 
A. M., Mr. Carter and his eldest daughter, ac- 
companied by Messrs. N. Heath and Gustavus 
V. Hall, the last being a member of the Uni- 
versalist society, went over to Boston, and, 
directed by one of Mr, Butman's assistants, 
proceeded to Limerick-place, whither, they 



88 HANNAH'S RETURN TO BOSTON. 

were assured, Ellen and Hannah resorted at a 
late hour the preceding night. 

After inquiring for some time without suc- 
cess, and Mr. Hall hearing footsteps in the story 
above where he was standing, he asked, in a 
loud tone, '' Is there any one there who can tell 
me where Hannah Corcoran is?" 

^* Yes, I am Hannah Corcoran ! " 

^' Are you Hannah Corcoran ? Are you Han- 
nah Corcoran?" reiterated Mr. Hall, '^ Would 
you like to see Mr. Carter ? " 

^'Indeed, I should, sir. Can you tell me 
where he is? " 

^M"es,".said Mr. Hall, ^^he is here." 

On hearing this, Mr. Carter ran up stairs, 
and she threw herself into his arms, crying for 
joy. Being questioned whether she would pre- 
fer to go with Mro C. or remain where she was, 
and answering that she would rather go, by all 
means, if Mr. C. would take her, she was 
desired to take a seat in the carriage beside Miss 
Carter, and was driven to the residence of her 
guardian. After their arrival in Charlestown, 
Mr. Heath went to the church, and requested 
the" sexton to acquaint the pastor with the suc- 
cessful result of their efforts that morning. At 
the close of the service, this welcome intelligence 



HER RETURN TO CHARLE3T0WN. 89 

was communicated to the church and congrega- 
tion by the pastor, in nearly the following words : 

'' It is my delightful privilege to inform you 
that our Sister Hannah Corcoran has returned ; 
that she is now at the residence of her guardian, 
Brother Joseph Carter ; and that she remains 
firm in the faith which she avowed before she 
was taken away.*' 

This announcement produced a thrill of de- 
light through the whole congregation. A large 
number of notices of Hannah's return were sent, 
during the interval of worship, to the different 
churches in Charlestown, Boston, Cambridge, 
and other places. This was done because it was 
well known that no other news would be so 
acceptable, or would be so likely to assuage the 
indignant passions of the com.munity, and to 
prevent the threatened riotous assemblage on the 
succeeding Monday evening. 

In the afternoon she attended church with her 
guardian and his family. As she was entering 
the House of God, her pastor had commenced 
reading the hundred and fifty-fifth hymn of the 

Psalmist : * 

" God is love ; his mercy brightens 
All the path in which we rove ; 
Bliss he wakes, and woe he lightens ; 
God is wisdom, God is love. 
8^ 



90 SHE ATTENDS CHURCH. 

" Chance and change are busy ever ; 
Man decays, and ages move ; 
But his mercy wanteth never ; 
God is wisdom, God is love. 

*' E'en the hour that darkest seemeth 
Will his changeless goodness prove ; 
From the gloom his brightness streameth ; 
God is wisdom, God is love. 

** He with earthly cares entwineth 
Hope and comfort from above ; 
» Everywhere his glory shineth ; 

God is wisdom, God is love. ' ' 

The report of Hannah's return having been 
widely circulated by reason of the notices, — it 
being, also, the regular time for the celebration 
of the Lord's Supper at the Baptist church, — 
many people were convinced that she would 
attend on that occasion ; and so intense was the 
curiosity^ to see her, that, before the services 
closed, multitudes thronged the galleries and 
doorways, endeavoring to catch a glimpse of the 
girl whose absence had created such a sensation. 



CHAPTER IV. 

DISCLOSURES. 

THE MAYOR VISITS HANNAH — PUBLIC NOT SATISFIED EL- 
LEN WARNS HANNAH HINTS OF PERSECUTION PASTOR'S 

FIRST INTERVIEW RELIGIOUS LIBERTY DEFINED AND 

DEFENDED ROMANISM WORSE THAN SLAVERY RELIGIOUS 

RIGHTS — QUERIES ABOUT HER ABDUCTION — EXPLANA- 
TIONS — HER MOTHER USES FORCE ELLEN WAS THE TOOL 

PRIESTS THE AGENTS PROOFS HINTS OF FURTHER 

DISCLOSURES PASTOR' S SECOND INTERVIEW HER FIRST 

SABBATH AWAY PRIESTS CONVERSE WITH HER SHE IS 

DRUGGED FORCE USED TO MAKE HER CONFESS SHE 

WILL NOT CONFESS ENTREATIES AND THREATENINGS 

HER FIRMNESS — SICKNESS PRIESTS FURNISH MONEY 

SHE IS TAKEN TO PHILADELPHIA INTERVIEW WITH 

PRIESTS — ENGAGED AS A DOMESTIC SHE WRITES TO 

PRIEST LYNDON PROSPECTS OF HER RETURN — ARRIVES 

IN BOSTON PRIEST SEES HER HER AFFIDAVIT RE- 
MARKS MISS carter's TESTIMONY CAT AND CANARY 

BIRD REASONS FOR THESE DISCLOSURES PROMISE 

BROKEN — AN APPEAL. 

Sunday evenings March 6. — The Mayor of 
Charlestown, accompanied by two or three of the 



92 THE MAYOR VISITS HANNAH. 

aldermen, called upon Hannah, and conversed 
with her concerning her absence; and, for the 
purpose of allaying the excitement ^Yllich srtill 
existed, and of which another public manifesta- 
tion was apprehended the next evening, he so 
^ framed his queries as to elicit from her such 
answers as would apparently exonerate the 
priest, an^ implicate the mother only. 

She was interrogated also with respect to its 
being her own free choice to reside again with 
her guardian, and to be under his protection ; 
and having taken down these answers in writing, 
he presented them to Mr. Carter, requesting 
him to sign them, if he assented to their validity. 

Mr. C. replied that, so far as they went, he 
considered them to be correct, and, for the sake 
of allaying excitement and securing peace, he 
was willing to affix his signature to the paper ; 
'' But," said he to the mayor, '' while I do this, 
you will remember that this is not the v)hole 
truth." 

A statement was given of these particulars in 
the papers of the day ; but the public were still 
dissatisfied, — they could not find a sufficient mo- 
tive for the conduct of the mother, unless they 
sought it in the tactics of the Romish church. 

That the woman who had first induced her 



THE PUBLIC ARE NOT SATISFIED. 93 

daughter to go to a Protestant church, who had 
frequently accompanied her, who had consented 
to her baptism into that church, and for some 
time afterward had urged no serious objections 
to her course, although during the entire process 
of change in the mind of her daughter she pro- 
fessed adherence to the Catholic faith, — that 
such a woman should, at once and without any 
previous warning, become the persecutor of her 
daughter, and to such a degree as to take her- 
away forcibly and to treat her with cruelty, 
could not be understood on any other principle 
than that she was compelled to do so by the 
machinations of that church of which she was 
still a member, — but in its estimation a very 
delinquent one, because she had allowed her 
daughter to do as she had done. 

Monday^ March 7. — When Mr. Carter took 
Haiinah from Limerick-place, her mother was 
absent ; but she went to Charlestown this morn- 
ing, to Mr. Collins' residence, with the object 
of inducing Hannah to return with her. This 
she endeavored to effect by entreaties, by threats, 
by the most awful anathemas, by weeping, by 
assumed or real agony, rolling on the floor, and 
yelling in a frenzy of rage. The daughter, 
though she sa'id little, evinced deep feelings of 



94 ELLEN WARNS HANNAH. 

commiseration for her mother, and told her that 
she should be glad to do anything for her that 
did not involve a breach of fidelity to God ; but 
she knew she could not return with her, and 
hope in peace to be true to her Saviour. She 
chose, therefore, to remain where she was. On 
receiving this decisive answer she rose, uttering 
some dreadful imprecations on Hannah, telling 
her that from that time ' she should forever dis- 
own her, that she would never speak to her; 
and, charging her again and again not to perjure 
her soul, she left her. She had not gone far, 
however, before she sent John, who was with 
her, back to charge Hannah not to hang the 
priests, or to say anything which would mvolve 
them. The reason for this message will be seen 
by a reference to the 123rd page. 

All necessary precautions were taken to pre- 
vent another assemblage of threatening aspect 
in the vicinity of the Catholic church that even- 
ing. From many indications, it was evident these 
measures were not uncalled for ; but the pres- 
ence of the military had the desired effect, and 
the evening passed off in comparative quiet. 

Hannah continued with Mr. Carter's family 
about a week, and then returned to her former 
situation, with Mr. Marcellus Carpenter. During 



HINTS OF PERSECUTION. 95 

her stay at Mr. Carter's, expressions would 
sometimes escape from her, intimating that she 
had not been very tenderly dealt with while ab- 
sent; as, for instance, one day the bird-cage 
was left for a moment so exposed that the cat 
availed herself of the opportunity to seize the 
bird and almost kill it. The bird was, however, 
finally rescued. Hannah witnessed this scene, 
and, trembling with emotion, said, ^ ' That seems 
just like my past trial." This, and other simi- 
lar remarks, induced the family to inquire how 
she had been treated ; but she replied that she had 
promised her mother that she would keep many 
things secret ; and, unless she had given her such 
a promise, her mother would not have brought 
her back to Boston. 

About ten days after her return to Mr. Car- 
penter's, her pastor had his first interview and 
conversation with her since her liberation. He 
inquired, ^^ Do you feel pleased to be in your old 
place again ? '' 

^a do, sir." 

''Are you rejoiced at being restored to your 
Baptist friends, and to the means of grace among 
them?"* 

'^ Indeed I am." 



96 THE pastor's first interview. 

^'Did you, during your absence, desire to 
return, for the sake of your religious privileges? " 

^' Many, many times I wished for that.'' 

^' Did you never, while away, feel inclined to 
return to the Church of Rome 7 " 

''Never." 

'' Did nothing occur to shake your confidence 
in your present views ? " 

'' Nothing, sir. I have been more than ever 
convinced and confirmed in my present belief. 
Why, sir, I was not above half a Protestant be- 
fore they took me away, I did not believe that 
the priests would resort to such means as you 
told me they would. I used to have a great 
veneration for them, even after I join-ed your 
church ; but I know them better now, — only you 
see I am bound not to tell." 

''Well, Hannah, I did not come here to per- 
suade you to reveal secrets ; I have no desire 
that you should do so. I have purposely de- 
layed visiting you, lest it should appear that I 
was seeking for information respecting your 
treatment while absent. My object is to know 
the state of your mind, — to learn if you have 
any inclination to go back to the Catholic 
church." 

" No, no, sir ; I have no desire to do that." 



KELiaiOUS LIBERTY. 97 

'^ Were you aware, while away, of the excite- 
ment caused by your absence? '' 

'^No, not of the whole of it; but I heard 
something about it.'' 

^' Do you know why so much has been said 
and done, so much money expended, so much 
labor performed, and so much excitement mani- 
fested, to secure your return ? " 

''• No, sir; I am sure I am not worth it." 

*^ No, 'Hannah, it is not that the community 
considers you of so much more importance than 
other persons ; it has not been done on your in- 
dividual account ; but all this has been done in 
defence of the principle of religious liberty. Do 
you know what is meant by spiritual tyranny? '^ 

'^ I should think, sir, I ought to know by this 
time.'*' 

'^ Well, we supposed that you were involunta- 
rily suffering under it, and there was a determin- 
ation that you should be set at liberty ; indeed, 
so intense was this feeling, that multitudes were 
ready to destroy the property of the Catholics ; 
and I believe they would have done it, in spite of 
all opposition, if you had not been brought back 
at the time you were. We, as religious people, 
protested against all such measures as these ; yet 
we would have spared no pains nor expense, in a 
9 



98 DEFINED AND DEFENDED. 

lawful way, to secure your return. But do you 
suppose we would do tliis to prevent your becom- 
ing a Catholic, and to make sure of you to the 
Protestant ranks ? " 

*' I don't know; I should at one time have 
thought so." 

^' No, this was not our object ; all that we did 
was done simply to place you in a position in which 
you w^ould have full liberty to choose your reli- 
gion for yourself; and, if you had expressed a wish 
to return again to the Catholic church, we would 
have done nothing by violence to restrain you. 
All this excitement was produced by the attempt 
of the Catholics to infringe this principle. Such 
attempts will never be allowed in this country. 
Suppose it had -been a Protestant who had turned 
Catholic, and any Protestant sect had made use 
of force to prevent it, or to compel the individual 
to recant and to return to the Protestant church ; 
the act would have been repelled with as much 
indignity as in your own case. It is not from 
hatred to the Catholics ; there are many of them 
for whom, as men, we entertain the highest re- 
spect ; and there are Catholics in our families 
towards whom we feel great friendship, and 
would be glad in any way to serve them. No, 
it is the love we have for liberty, especially reli- 



ROMANISM WORSE THAN SLAVERY. 99 

gious liberty, that induces us to make every 
sacrifice to preserve it unimpaired. Those Avho 
enjoy the privilege of self-government will strug- 
gle hard and long before they will submit to 
despotism. But, dear as civil liberty is to those 
who enjoy it, religious liberty, or the right to 
worship God according to the dictate of each in- 
dividual conscience, without the interference of 
any human being, is incomparably dearer. 
Nothing but the most abject slavery of spirit 
can induce an accountable creature to give up 
his conscience to the keeping and control of any 
mortal man, be he priest or pope. The slavery 
of the body is a trifle when compared with the 
slavery of the mind. For, though a man be held 
as a chattel, that cannot deprive him of the right 
to think, to worship God in secret, and to re- 
joice in hope of full emancipation at death. But 
to be bound to confess every thought to a mortal 
man, to be bound to think as he shall dictate, 
without the privilege of comparing his directions 
with the revealed will of heaven, — to fear the 
power of such a man in death, and even after 
death, — is unquestionably the very depth of 
. subjection and degradation. 

^' Could the victims of such a system only ex- 
perience the joy of spiritual emancipation ; could 



100 RELIGIOUS RIGHTS. 

they only know that the priest has no right to 
demand of them confession ; that he has no 
power to absolve or condemn them; and that 
they shall receive no injury, either from God or 
man, for vindicating the right to worship their 
Maker without the interference of the priest; 
could they enjoy the bliss of such an emancipa- 
tion, it would be more easy to persuade the 
negroes of Jamaica to abandon their freedom and 
retrograde into slavery, than to induce such 
spiritually free men again to submit to the 
tyranny of priestcraft. And if any one, having 
discovered this liberty, should be interfered 
with, and unfair means used to kidnap and again 
enslave him, such means would be sure to 
produce excitement. The assumption, by any 
religious body, of the right of using physical 
force, or any force, except moral and religious 
sanctions, to compel even its own members to 
uniformity, cannot and will not for a moment be 
conceded." 

At the close of this interview, her pastor 
remarked that, since the night of her disappear- 
ance, her treatment at or near the Fitchburg 
Depot had been enveloped in mystery ; and, as 
he supposed that an inquiry touching that 
point would not intrude upon that secrecy 



QUERIES ABOUT HER ABDUCTION. 101 

which she seemed bound to observe, he would 
like to ask just what occurred there. ''For," 
said he, ''you know there is apparently a direct 
contradiction between the affidavits of John and 
Mr. Welch, of Purchase-street ; and this diffi- 
culty is augmented by your mother's denial of 
her former declarations, confessing now that on 
that Saturday evening she took you to Mr. 
Welch's; and still more by your own concession, 
for, if I am correctly informed, you have admit- 
ted that it was so. Now, unless you are per- 
fectly willing to explain these conflicting state- 
ments, I do not ask it ; but, being under the im- 
pression that you have already spoken freely on 
this point, I imagine you can have but little 
objection." 

She replied that, in reference to John's ac- 
count and her own, they certainly did not agree; 
and she could scarcely understand it herself, for 
she supposed that John was aware of her 
mother's having been with her after he was. 
But, however that might be, she was fully willing 
to communicate all that she knew about it. From 
what she then related, in connection with what 
has been gathered from John since, the fol- 
lowing may be considered a true statement of 
9^ 



102 EXPLANATIONS. 

the events as they occurred at the Fitchburg 
Depot. 

On the evening in question, Ellen and John, 
her mother and brother, accompanied Hannah 
from Grove-place through Belknap, Chambers, 
Green, Leverett and Causeway streets, to the 
north-easterly side of the depot ; this being the 
way Hannah always went, in order to avoid the 
railroad crossing. After walking a short dis- 
tance on the road between the depot and the 
lumber-wharf, John obtained from his sister a 
small sum of money, which his mother told him he 
might go and spend in the refreshment-room, and 
wait there till she came for him. In the mean 
time, Hannah had proceeded somewhat in advance 
of them. John and Ellen, speaking to her from 
the distance, bade her good-night, but it seems 
she did not hear them. 

John went, with his money, to the refreshment- 
room ; and, as soon as his back was turned, the 
mother followed, and overtook Hannah before she 
had reached the end of the depot buildings. 

She then took her by the arm, and began to 
talk very rapidly, telling her to mark this and 
that object, for she could show her a nearer way 
from Charlestown to Boston than that to which 
she had been accustomed ; and, turning her 



EXPLANATIONS. 103 

round by the omnibus-office, took her through 
the gateway and across the rail-track, bringing 
her on to the road between the Fitchburg passen- 
ger and the Maine freight depots. As Han- 
nah had never passed over the road between 
these two depots, finding herself in a strange 
place, she said to her mother, ' ' This is not the 
way to Charlestown." ''Yes, it is; it is a 
nearer way," remarked Ellen. '' No, this is not 
the way ; we have not crossed the bridge, and I 
will go no further in this direction." Ellen, 
grasping her more firmly, added, '' Well, I know 
this is not the way to Charlestown, and you will 
never go there again ; you shall go with me. I 
must take you to some other place." 

On hearing her mother say this, she struggled 
and screamed. Ellen immediately placed her 
hand over Hannah's mouth, and insisted upon 
her stopping that noise, telling her that, if she 
did not, it would be worse for her. Perceiving 
that resistance was useless, — that a girl of six- 
teen, and not of a robust frame, could do noth- 
ing in the hands of a very muscular woman,— -and 
recollecting that it was her mother who thus 
commanded her, she submitted to be led pas- 
sively along, although distressed with fear, and 
uncertainty as to her ultimate destination. 



104 HER MOTHER USES FORCE. 

Ellen retained a firm hold of her, and hurried 
her along, till they arrived at 106 Purchase- 
street, where she rang the bell, and, upon the 
door being opened, presented to the master of the 
house a note concerning the disposition of her 
daughter ; and, telling Hannah to remain until 
she came for her, immediately left, and returned 
to John at the depot, with w^hom she walked 
through various parts of Boston, till near ten 
o'clock. 

Ellen accounted to John for her prolonged 
absence from him by stating that she had stepped 
after Hannah, and had delayed the time in talk- 
ing with her, having just parted from her on her 
way to Charlestown. John, believing these 
declarations of his mother, and not thinking it 
necessary to take into account the interval of 
time which he spent in the refreshment-room^ 
made his afiidavit that they accompanied Han- 
nah to the depot, and there, while she was on 
her way to Charlestown, they bid her good- 
night. And Mr. Welch could take oath^ so far 
truly, that she was brought to his house by her 
mother. 

Ellen Corcoran, then, was the tool in this 
transaction. But, when it is understood that she 
can neither write nor read writing, the question 



PRIESTS THE AGENTS. 105 

will naturally arise, Who wrote that note to Mr. 
Welch, and what did it contain ? A knowledge 
of this would undoubtedly tend to draw from 
concealment the real agent or agents in this ab- 
duction. The facts yet to be developed may 
probably furnish some clue to the author of this 
note. 

It may be as well, however, in this place, to 
state one fact. On the Saturday subsequent to 
Hannah's baptism, a man called at Mr. Parker's. 
Grove-place, Boston, to see Ellen Corcoran. 
He told her that he was sent by Priest Lyndon, 
of Charlestown, to request that she would call 
upon the priest the next day. He stated that 
Mr. Lyndon was acquainted with the fact that 
her daughter had left the Catholic church and 
had become a Baptist, and that he wished to see 
her about it. 

The next day Ellen had an interview with the 
priest, who informed her that he knew all about 
her daughter's proceedings. That he had been 
made acquainted with what she said, by Catho- 
lics who were present, when she related her ex- 
perience to the Baptist church, and when she 
was baptized. That she was not the first who 
had left his church and joined the Baptists, and, 
unless something was done, he should lose all 



106 HINTS OF FURTHER DISCOVERIES. 

his flock. He then exclaimed, as though in an 
agony, ^' My God! my God! what shall I do? 
All my flock are leaving me ! " 

Ellen, alarmed at his manner, inquired what 
she could do. After reprimanding her for per- 
mitting the girl to go among the Protestants, she 
was told that she must contrive some way of 
bringing, her back again. At least, she must 
efiect an interview between her daughter and 
the priest. 

He inquired whether he would be detected in 
attempting to visit her at Mr. Carpenter's, pro- 
vided he should disguise himself by a change 
of garments. Being told that he probably 
would, the conclusion Avas formed that the 
mother should devise some method of inducing 
Hannah to accompany her to the residence of the 
priest. 

This was the first time that Ellen Corcoran 
had spoken to Priest Lyndon. 

About two weeks subsequent to his first inter- 
view with Hannah after her return, her pastor 
received a call from Mr. Carpenter, who re- 
marked that during the last fortnight various 
incidents had called up allusions to her absence, 
and, in conversations at different times, she had 
referred to events connected with it, but would 



THE pastor's second INTERVIEW. 107 

always check herself, as if treading on forbidden 
ground; until last evening, when alone with his 
wife, she had acquainted her with many things 
not before known, and he believed that if her 
pastor would visit her she would tell him every- 
thing. 

To this the pastor rephed that he would call 
in the course of the day; but he should not 
solicit her to disclose anything to him. If she did 
it, it must be done voluntarily, and with a clear 
conscience. Mr. C. still thought she would 
make the disclosures ; for she had found herself so 
embarrassed in withholding a part of the truth, that 
she perceived she could not much longer conceal 
any of it without subjecting herself to the 
necessity of evasion or falsehood ; that, so much 
being already known, the remainder could not 
long be hidden, and, if she did wrong in breaking 
a promise which was extorted from her under 
the most painful circumstances, she had better 
do that, once for all^ than be driven to the 
necessity of frequently doing wrong. 

The pastor called, according to his promise, 
and was told by Mrs. Carpenter that Hannah 
had given her a pretty full account of what had 
befallen her during her absence, and that she 
was not unwilling to repeat the same to him. 



108 DISCLOSURES. 

He stated that he did not wish to hear it then ; 
that she had better consider it well, and. if at 
any future time she felt perfectly free to make 
the disclosures, he would take them down in 
writing. 

Some few days subsequently, understanding 
from Mr. Carter that she had given him a full 
account of what was done with her while away 
from Charlestown, and that she was ready to 
relate the same to him, — being himself very 
much engaged, the pastor requested Miss Sarah 
P. Carter to receive the statements from Han- 
nah, and commit them rto writing. This was 
done ; and from these documents we subjoin the 
following particulars, given in her own lan- 
guage : 

^* On the evening of Feb. 12th, soon after my 
mother took hold of me to take me back to 
Boston, I missed my brother John, and asked 
where he was. She said, ^ Never mind about 
that ; you come along with me ; ' and took me 
up to Mr. John Welch's house, 106 Purchase- 
street. Mother went into the entry, and inquired 
for Mr. Welch. When he came, she put a piece 
of paper into his hand, folded in the form of a 
note, and said to him that she was going to give 



HER FIRST SABBATH AWAY. 109 

me up to him to take care of; but she was not 
going to stay herself.^ She then left the house. 

'^ Mr. Welch went up stairs into his kitchen 
with me; Mrs. Welch was out at the time; 
when she came in she asked him about me, but 
I did not know what he said in reply. 

''Sunday, Feb. 13. — Mrs. Welch called 
me early in the morning to go to mass with her, 
and I went to the Roman Catholic church in 
Purchase-street. Mr. Gallagher officiated. I 
knelt when others did, and prayed as I wished, 
but did not humble myself before the images. 
I cried most of the day, and did not wish to eat 
anything, but was urged to eat by those around 
me. At supper-time, Mr. Dolantj, or Dougherty, 
— I am not sure of *his name, only I know that 
it was the same person that I saw at Priest 
Lyndon's the Wednesday evening before, — came 
in, and remained about two hours, conversing 
a great part of the time. Part of the time he 
conversed with Mrs. Welch in another room ; I 
could hear their voices, but could not tell what 



* John Corcoran now states tliat he was in the Fitchburg 
Depot from the time he left Hannah until his mother re- 
turned, something like half an hour ^ yet he had not the 
slightest idea that his mother had left his sister anywhere 
but on her way to Charlestown. 

10 



110 PRIESTS CONVERSE WITH HER. 

they said. When Mr. D. came in, he said 
he was very tired, and almost killed with 
his Avalk.'' It will be remembered that on that 
day there was a very deep snow on the ground. 
" When he came into the room where I was, he 
told me that Mr. Carter and another man had 
been that day to Mr. Lyndon's, to find out where 
I was ; that Mr. Lyndon had told them he did 
not know where I was, — that I was at his house 
the Wednesday evening previous, and had not 
been there since. Mr. D. said I had told seve- 
ral people what Mr. Lyndon said to me on that 
evening, and I said I had told several. He 
said, 'No matter,' and left that subject. He 
asked me several questions about the Baptists 
and about my baptism, making fun of it and 
them, and saying that the Baptists took a bucket 
of water and poured it upon the persons baptized. 
He ridiculed the burial service of the Protest- 
ants, stating that they said, when they buried 
anybody, 

* Ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; 
If God won't have you, the Devil must.' 

'' Soon afterwards he saw me with the Catho- 
lic Bible. He took it away,' and said, ^ Are you 
going to read the Bible now ? ' I said Yes ; but 



SHE IS DRUGGED. Ill 

he did not give it to me again ; he told me not 
to ask about the Bible. 

" Monday^ Feb, 14. — I asked permission to 
go and get some articles of clothing ; but Mrs. 
Welch said I must not go until she ha-d seen the 
priest. 

'•About five o'clock in the evening, Mr. Gal- 
lagher, of the Purchase-street church, came in. 
He inquired of Mrs. Welch about me, and re- 
marked that I was the girl about whom there 
was some trouble in Charlestown. He told her 
that she must conceal me ; for, if my guardian 
came and found me, she must let me go, because 
if she did not he would prosecute her. 

'^ Tuesday^ Feb. 15. — In the afternoon my 
mother came to Mr. Welch's, and found me 
almost sick. Soon after, Mrs. Welch brought me 
some medicine in a tumbler ; the tumbler was 
two-thirds full. I drank some, and refused to 
take any more; but mother compelled me to 
take it, saying it was molasses and water. It 
tasted a little acid, and she said it was vinegar. 
I immediately began to feel strangely, and, 
while they were about me, sprinkling holy water 
on me, &c., I lost my consciousness, and knew 
nothing more until after dark, when I came to 
myself in a dark room, which I knew to be the 



112 FORCE USED TO MAKE HER CONFESS. 

same into which I went when mother took me to 
Mr. Lyndon's on the Wednesday evening pre- 
vious. 

'' My mother was beside me, and I asked her 
where I was. She said I was safe. I inquired 
if I was in Mr. Lyndon's house. She answered 
^ No.' Soon a person came in dressed in 
priest's garments, whom I recognized as Mr. 
Lyndon, by what I could discover in the com- 
parative darkness, and by his voice. 

^' He took a chair, and sat down not far from 
me. He asked me if I Avished to go to confes- 
sion. I replied that I did not wish to ; and he 
said that I must come to confession. He insisted 
upon this, and urged me again and again to con- 
fession, trying to induce me in that way to put 
myself again under the control of the church. 

^'I told him he would have to take out my 
heart, and put a different one in its place, before I 
could be a Catholic again. 

'^He then rose and came towards me, took 
me forcibly by the arm, and compelled me to 
kneel by his side. I was very much frightened, 
and almost afraid to speak or move. 

'^ He tried to compel me to repeat after him 
the form of confession ; but I did not utter a 
word, for I had nothing to confess to him. 



SHE WILL NOT GOXFESS. 113 

'' I wept very much, and he asked me if I 
was sorry for my sins. I said I was. 

^' He asked me if I believed my sins were for- 
given. I said YeSj I did believe that God had 
forgiven my sins. He said it was not so. 

• • He wanted me to promise, if he let me go 
free, that I would not go again among those 
creatures, but would tell them that the church I 
had left was right. I was kneeling all this time, 
and weeping bitterly. I told him my mother 
had gone and left me, and I felt dreadfully. 

^' He said he was sure I had told all that he 
said on the Wednesday night when I was there 
with mother. 

'' He then asked me why I did not give Mrs. 
Carpenter warning that I would leave her. I 
told him that I did not want to. He asked me 
if I knew where I was. I said, 'In your house.' 

''He said, 'No.' Then I said, 'In your 
church.' He still said ' No ; ' but told me I 
was in the vestry-room. 

'' He then asked me if I would come back to 
the church, and be governed by her once more, 
saying that if I did so I would never be without 
friends, and if I had not a place he would pay 
my board till I could get one. I told him I had 
friends enough, if he would only let me go to 
10^ 



114 ENTREATIES AND 

them. But he said it was not for the cause of 
God I wanted to go back, but on their account ; 
that I cared more for them than for God. 
Again he asked me if I would come back to the 
church, and be under her control. And when I 
still said No, he said it would be worse for me if 
I did not. 

'' I was dreadfully frightened, and began to 
cry aloud. I was still kneeling, and my head 
was on Mr. Lyndon's lap. He put his stole 
over my head, and several times asked me if I 
felt better. I said No, and cried louder than 
before. He then left the room, and came back 
with my mother, telling her that I was so stub- 
born that I would not yield; that there was 
something bad in me. To this she agreed, say- 
ing that I had altered for the worse. 

^^ Soon after, my mother was going, and I 
asked her if I might go. She said No. 

'^Mr. L. asked me if anything would induce 
me to leave the Baptist church. I said No. He 
•said, ^ Would not persecution ? ' I still said No. 

'' He asked me if I would be burned rather 
than leave it. I said Yes. 

'^ I was so much afraid that I could scarcely 
speak. He asked me if I was willing to burn 
in hell forever. I told him God was my judge. 



THREATENINGS. 115 

and I was willing He should do as He pleased. 
He told me stories about dreadful things which 
had happened to persons because they would not 
confess. One story was respecting a man who 
told a priest, in reply to something the priest 
said to him, that he was willing to burn in hell 
rather than humble himself to the priest. On 
being told to go and say that to God, he said he 
would ; but, in doing so, he was seized with such 
terror that he ran back to the priest, who was 
now in bed, and begged of him to get up, and for 
God's sake to give him confession and absolution. 
I asked Mr. Lyndon if he had power to save 
me. He said, ' Yes, I have power to save your 
soul, and power to destroy you ; and, if you do 
not confess, I will cut you down.' 

^'When my mother was going, Mr. Lyndon 
said something about the omnibus, and also said, 
' Take this, and pay what they ask.' He and 
my mother then left the room, and locked me 
in. 

^'I sat in my chair all night, constantly 
tempted, and fearing that some one w^ould get 
hold of me. 

'' Once I tried to commend myself, soul and 
body, to God ; but it seemed as if Mr. L. came 
between me and God. 



116 . HER FIRMNESS. 

^^ Wednesday, Feb. 16. — In the morning a 
girl came into the room, and brought me some- 
thing to eat. I told her I did not wish for any- 
thing ; I had not eaten anything since Tuesday 
forenoon, but I could not eat there. The room 
was still dark, the shutters being closed. 

'^ In the course of the day, a strange man 
came into^the room, and asked me if I had any- 
thing to say for myself to Father Lyndon. I 
said No. He said I might have to sujffer more, 
if I did not say something. 

^'I told him it was better to die for Jesus 
than to live in slavery. He laughed at this, and 
soon left the room. 

''That evening, after dark, my mother came 
again, and asked me if I was in that room all 
night, and if I had not any bed. I told her I 
had been there without any bed. She appeared 
surprised, and I think felt bad about it. I told 
her I had not eaten anything, and could not eat. 
She said I was too stubborn. Soon after, I was 
taken aAvay in a carriage, in company with my 
mother and a man I did not know, and carried 
back to John Welch's, in Purchase-street. After 
my return, Mrs. Welch gave me some ginger- 
tea. 

^^Thursdaij, Feb, 17. — Mrs. Welch gave 



SICKNESS. 117 

me more ginger-tea this morning ; but it Tvas not 
till about eleven o'clock that I could eat any- 
thing, having gone without food since Tuesday 
morning. 

'•In the afternoon Mr. Dolanty came again, 
and asked me how I was. I told him I was 
sick. He asked me if I was sick and dvino;, if I 
would not want a priest. I said No. I was in 
the attic in bed at this time, and pulled the 
clothes over my head. He seemed frightened, 
came and listened, and went down stairs quickly 
for Mrs. Welch. The Eev. Mr. Walsh, of 
Moon-street church, came to Mr. Welch's house, 
and conversed with me very kindly on the sub- 
ject of my leaving the Roman Catholic church. 

''In the evening my mother came, and told 
me that an application had been made to the 
Mayor of Boston to send out the police in search 
of me ; and she appeared much frightened. She 
said she should take me away the next morning, 
about eight o'clock. She said she had been at 
Father Lyndon's, and he had given her ten dol- 
lars (I saw the bills — two fives) to pay for my 
going away ; and that she would stay with me 
that night. 

" Mrs. Welch told her that letters w^ould be 



118 THE PRIESTS FURNISH MONEY. 

there before us, and that there would be no 
trouble. 

^' She remained with me that night, but did 
not get ready to start until five o'clock the next 
afternoon. 

^'Friday ^ Feb. 18. — Mr. Dolanty came to 
inquire about our going away. Something was 
said about our going to the cars in a carriage ; 
but he said it would not do, for we should be 
watched. So I was disguised with an old hood 
and Mrs. Welsh's shawl, Mr. Welsh carrying 
my bonnet in a paper. When mother put me 
into the cars, as she pushed me in, she said, 
^ There, no thanks to you ! ' 

^^ We reached New York on Saturday morn- 
ing, Feb. 19, and went immediately to the cars 
and proceeded to Philadelphia, which city we 
reached about noon. When we left the cars in 
Philadelphia, my mother inquired for St. Jo- 
seph's Church, and we went directly there. 

'' When we arrived, mother made some in- 
quiries of a man she saw, which I did not hear ; 
but I heard him ask her which of the priests she 
wished to see. 

^^ She said she did not know. As we were 
waiting in the vestry of the church, the * Rev. 
Felix Barbelin (as I afterwards learned) passed 



SHE IS TAKEN TO PHILADELPHIA. 119 

through without speaking to either of us. Soon 
after, he came back, and mother spoke to him, 
but I did notfhear what she said. He then 
came and spoke to me, and asked, as if he was 
astonished, if I had been baptized in the Baptist 
church. My mother said, 'Yes, on the first 
Sabbath in the year.' She said she was in the 
church, and saw the devil in the pulpit: meaning, 
I suppose, Mr. Caldicott. The priest said he 
thought I could get a place soon ; he would ask 
some ladies about it, and I might try myself to 
find a place. 

'^ I asked him where we would stay that 
night ; and he said that the old gentleman, the 
sexton, would direct us to^ a boarding-house. 
The sexton sent a boy with us to No. 10 Union- 
street, corner of Spruce. 

''Here my mother paid the landlord for two 
weeks' board, in case I should not get a place for 
service sooner. She remained with me till Mon- 
day morning, Feb. 21, except going to church 
three times on the Sabbath of the 20th. 

"I remained iu the boarding-house during 
the day. On Monday morning, I went out 
with mother when she went to the cars, and 
tried to persuade her to let me come back with 
her. But she said she had no money to bring 



120 HER INTERVIEW WITH PRIESTS. 

me. I went back to the boarding-house crying, 
and cried a long time. In the afternoon I went 
up to St. Joseph's Church, an(^saw the Rev. 
Mr. McGinnis. I told him mother had gone 
back to Boston ; and he said, ^ You feel lonely 
because your mother has gone ; you may come 
and tell me your troubles, as you would your 
mother.' , I saw Father Barbelin also, and he 
told me that he had received a long letter 
from Father Lyndon about me. After this. 
Father B. often tried to make me come to con- 
fession. 

'-'■ Tuesday^ Feb. 22. — I went this morning up 
to the church again, and saw Mr. Barbelin, and 
told him I wanted a place. He said Mr. McG. 
would do anything he could for me. He then 
told me to go to Mrs. Buck, who keeps an intel- 
ligence-office, and tell her that he wished her to 
get me a place. I went to Mrs. Buck, and she 
said she could not get me a place without a line 
or two from Mr. Barbelin. I went back to the 
church ; Mr. B. was not in, and I returned to 
the boarding-house. 

'' Wednesday.^ Feb. 23. — I went to the 
church again this morning, and Mr. B. gave me 

a recommendation. 

« 

^' I returned to Mrs. Buck, and she sent to 



ENGAGED AS A DOMESTIC. 121 

Mrs. Keenan, who engaged me as chambermaid^ 
at one dollar a week. The family were. Roman 
Catholics, and attended St. Mary's Church. 

'^ Thursday^ Feb, 24. — I felt so unhappy 
that I wanted to make some change, and told 
Mrs. Keenan that I could not stay, and she must 
get another girl. There was another girl in the 
house, a colored girl, who, I learned, was a 
Methodist. I told her all my troubles ; why I 
had been brought to Philadelphia ; and that I 
wished very much to return to Charlestown. 
She felt for me, and told me where I could find 
a Baptist church. 

'''Friday and Saturday^ Feb. 25 and 26. — 
I remained at home, except going out a few steps 
on an errand for Mrs. Keenan. 

^^ Sunday^ Feb. 27. — I remained in the 
house. In the evening I obtained a sheet of 
paper, and wrote to my mother on one half, 
reservino; the other half, that I mio-ht write to 
Mr. Carpenter on it, I told my mother she 
must come and bring me back, or send five dol- 
lars, so that I could come back, — for I was 
sick, and I wanted a doctor more than anything 
else. I told her she had tricked me, and trans- 
ported me, and taken me away, and that I knew 
what to do if she did not send for me. I directed 
11 



122 SHE WRITES TO PRIEST LYNDON. 

my letter to the Rev. P. F. Lyndon; and, 
knowing that he would read it, I begged of him 
to tell my mother to send for me, or to come 
and bring me back, as she had carried me away. 

''^Monday and Tuesday^ Feb. 28 andMa7'cA 
1. — I remained in the house, and attended to 
my work. 

WediiGsday^ March 2. — My letter was put 
in the post-office ; and I went out and found a 
Baptist church ; but there was no service at that 
time. 

^^ Thursday^ March 3. — As I was prepar- 
ing to leave Mrs. Keenan's and go back to the 
boarding-house where my mother left me, my 
mother came into the house, and said she had 
come to take me back, for she did not wish me 
to work out. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan did not 
know the reason of my being there, and ques- 
tioned mother about it ; but she did not satisfy 
them. 

" On the afternoon of that day my mother took 
me up to St. Joseph's Church ; but the priests 
were all absent, — at least, we saw no one. We 
entered the cars about five p. M., and reached 
New York about ten o'clock on Friday morning. 

''Friday^ March 4. — Went to Mr. John 
Dwyer's, No. 211 Centre-street, and remained 



PROSPECTS OF HER RETURN. 123 

until four p. M., when we left for the steamboat 
on the Fall PJver route. 

^' There was a severe storm on the Sound; I 
felt sick ; my mother gave me something for it, 
which she called a cordial. This excited me ; 
and, as I began to think of what I had suffered, 
I told my mother that I believed, if the people 
knew how the priest had served me, they would 
hano; him ; and I said I would hano; him ; I 
would get him into a hobble ; and many other 
things. She was very much troubled at this ; 
and, after we were in bed, she told me she would 
not take me to Boston, but to some other place, 
that she knew about, unless I would promise 
not to say a word about what happened to me on 
Tuesday night, Feb. 15, or about the priests' 
giving her money, or anything that would impli- 
cate them at all.^ She said she had power 
to do it ; she should be helped ; and that all I 
could do would not prevent her from keeping me 
from going to Boston, if I did o^ot make this 
promise. She was so earnest about it, and I was 
so terrified lest I should be taken off somewhere 

* When they were in New York, on their way to Boston, 
Ellen told Hannah that Father Lyndon gave her (the 
mother) twenty dollars, and Father Walsh gave her ten 
more, telling her she could have more if she needed. 



124 SHE ARRIVES IN BOSTON. 

else, and not go back to Charlestown again, that 
I made the promise she required. 

^^ Saturday^ March 5. — We arrived in Bos- 
ton about half-past eight p. M. We should have 
come in the morning, but we're detained by the 
storm. We went directly to Mr. Welch's, 106 
Purchase-street, where we had supper, and 
stayed about an hour. Mr. Welch told me 
about his affidavit ; and, soon after, went with us 
to the priest's house in Moon-street, and inquired 
for Mr. Lyndon. Mr. L. came into the room, 
and asked me if my mother had come ; and I 
said she had. Mother then came into the room, 
and he welcomed her home. He inquired after 
my health, and I told him I had not been well 
since I left. He told me there was much inquiry 
about me ; and, if they could find me, they would 
have me. I answered, that if my friends could 
see me they would not injure me, but would let 
me be anything I chose to be. He said I could 
say before the mayor what I wished to be ; that 
there was nobody to force me. 

' ' AVhen we came out from the priest's house 
in Moon-street, Mr. John Welch asked me if I 
was not perfectly free at his house, and if I did 
not go out and do shopping. I told him I did not 
go out, for Mrs. Welsh said I must not go until 



HER AFFIDAVIT. 125 

she had seen the priest. He said he thought I 
^.vent out. but he was mistaken. ^ 

'•Mr. Welch then left us, and mother and I 
went to Limerick-place, Hanover-street, between 
ten and eleven o'clock, where we remained until 
Sabbath, March 6. >. In the morning mother left 
me to go to church, and, during her absence, 
Mr. Carter came and brought me over to his 
house. 

'• I do hereby certify that the foregoing state- 
ments are true. 

(Signed) '^ Hannah Corcoran." 

^" Middlesex, ss. June 4, 1853. 

'• Personally appeared the above-named Han- 
nah Corcoran: and made oath that the foregoing 
statements by her subscribed were true, accord- 
ins; to her best knowledo;e and belief. 
'' Before me, Isaac F. Jones, 

'' A true copy. Justice of the Peace." 

Such is her account of herself, and, as nearly 
as possible, in her own language, from the even- 
ing of the twelfth of February, the time of her 
disappearance, to Sabbath morning, March the 
6th, inclusive, when she was restored to the pro- 
lix 



126 REMARKS. 

tection of her guao-dian and to the society of her 
chosen friends. 

That the above statements will be variously 
received by different persons, cannot be doubted. 
Those who are strongly prejudiced against the 
Catholics will be likely to give full credit to 
them ; and perhaps they will only regret that 
they are rfot of a darker hue. 

Such as are indifferent to the religious aspect 
of these disclosures may regret that they have 
been made, lest they should produce excitement, 
or deepen the prejudices existing between Cath- 
olics and Protestants, and thus endanger our 
peace. 

There can be no doubt that the Catholics 
themselves will deny these facts, and resort to 
any and every means to invalidate and destroy 
the evidence on which they rest. For we believe 
it to be an established fact that, in contending 
with Protestants, or in defending the interests of 
their own church, their chosen instrument of 
combat is often falsehood as well as truth; or, 
at least, the use of this instrument is undeniably 
sanctioned by their church, when employed in 
her defence. 

These statements, however, must be received 
as all other testimony is, and be credited accord- 
ing to the congruity of the parts, their harmony 



MISS carter's testimony. 127 

witli other evidence, and the coincidences by 
which they are sustained. Let these rules 1)6 
applied in judging of the truth or falsehood of 
these disclosures, and we have no fear that the 
verdict will not be in their favor. 

Miss Carter closes the record of these events 
with the following testimonial to the character of 
Hannah : 

'•After she came from Philadelphia, during 
the week she was with us, her whole conduct 
was very satisfactory. She read the Bible as 
thouorh feastino!; on its treasures. She seemed 
truly grateful for her deliverance, yet did not, 
so far as we can judge, indulge in any revenge- 
ful feelings towards those who had so wickedly 
persecuted her. She seemed to pity her mother, 
perceiving how much she had to suffer on her 
account ; and often said that, for her mother's 
sake, she would have again become a Catholic, 
if her conscience would permit it. 

''We had a little canary-bird, and, one day, 
while she was with us, the cat caught it, but did 
not kill it directly ; it lay some hours, fluttering 
and panting, on the bottom of the cage. Han- 
nah said it made her think of her own case, when 
in the hands of the priest. 

^^ While she cherished the warmest gratitude 



128 REASONS FOR THESE DISCLOSURES. 

to those ^YllO had interested themselves in her 
behalf, she yet felt that God had been her deliv- 
erer, and, but for His special interposition, she 
never should have returned." 

Hannah's deportment, since her return to Mr. 
Carpenter's, has been modest, devout and con- 
sistent ; knowing and keeping her place in the 
family; 'manifesting no assumption of import- 
ance on account of the notoriety she has gained, 
or the noise which the course taken with her 
has created. She feels tenderly and deeply for 
those who are, as she once was, the blinded, 
enchanted, degraded and willing captives of a 
false religion; and prays most earnestly that 
they may be brought into the glorious liberty 
which she now enjoys, namely, the liberty 
wherewith Christ makes those free who believe 
in him. She consents to give these facts pub- 
licity from no other motive than the hope that 
they may be made instrumental, through the 
blessing of God, of leading many who are now 
blinded by papal superstition to discover some- 
thing of the true nature of that system of de- 
ception, injustice and cruelty, and of inducing 
them to throw off their chains of bondage, and 
assert their right to think and act for themselves 
in matters of religion. 



PROMISES BROKEX. 129 

The writer's reasons for publishing this narra- 
tive are given in the preface. 

The only thing concerning which there can 
be any serious question in the minds of the can- 
did will be the propriety, righteousness or lawful- 
ness, of divulging ^lat which Hannah promised 
to keep secret. Before pronouncing judgment 
on this act, let the reader endeavor to put him- 
self in this girFs place. Let him. go through 
every scene, from the twelfth of February, and 
imagine himself the victim, until he can realize 
all the hopes and fears and indignation that 
might possess her soul on the night of her return 
to Boston. Let a promise of silence with re- 
spect to the most important and the most afflictive 
events of that period be extorted from him, by 
means of all others the most appalling under the 
circumstances, namely, that of being taken to a 
greater distance from friends, instead of being 
conveyed to them, and into a state of un- 
certainty, perplexity and wretchedness, instead 
of liberty. Let him now imagine himself 
brought into the very place that has been the 
scene of excitement on his account, where con- 
iiictino: statements have been made, and are still 
continued : where his friends are lying under 
the imputation of first employing unfair means 



130 AN APPEAL. 

for proselyting him^ and then of instigating an 
alarming excitement on his account, under the 
declaration that the priests had a hand in his 
abduction, and can bring him back again if they 
choose. Let him observe that his silence on this 
point tends to confirm the i^iputation cast upon 
his friends, and that it is calculated to lead his 
friends tO' suspect that he is not at heart what he 
professes to be. Let each reader fully realize all 
this, and then remember how the promise was 
obtained, and conceive, if he can, what an intol- 
erable burden he has to bear, and what exceeding 
difficulties he has to encounter, so long as the 
secret remains undivulged, and how much 
darkness and doubt he can dissipate by the rev- 
elation thereof And then let him fairly deter- 
mine what he would do in such a case, befose 
he passes judgment upon Hannah for making 
her disclosures. 

We are no apologists for promise-breaking. 
We will express no opinion about Hannah's con- 
duct in this particular. We simply state the 
circumstances, and leave the reader to his own 
judgment. We are willing, however, to say for 
ourselves, acquainted as we are with all the cir- 
cumstances, that we should do just as she has 
done, and commit the rectitude or the injustice 
of the act to the decision of God. 



CATALOGUE 

or TALTJABLE WORKS PUBLISHED BY 

GOULD AND LINCOLN, 

NO. 69, WASHINGTON BTBEET, 

BOSTON. 



The attention of the public is invited to an examination of the merits of tlw 
vorks described in this Catalogue, embracing valuable contributions to General 
Literature, Science, and Theology. 

Besides their own publications, they have a general assortment of books ui 
the various departments of literature, and can supply every thing in their Un« 
pf business on the lowest terms, wholesale and retail. 

PRINCIPLES OF ZOOLOGY; Touching the Stnicture, Devel- 
opment, Distribution, and Natural Arrangement of the Races 
OF Animals, living and extinct, with numerous illustrations. 
For the use of Schools and Colleges. Part I., Comparative 
Physiology. Bv Louis Agassiz and Augustus A. Gould. 

" The design of this work is to furnish an epitome of the leading principles 
of the science of Zoology, as deduced from tfie present state of knowledge, so 
illustrated as to be intelligible to the beginning student No similar treatise 
now exists in this country, and indeed, some of the topics have not been 
touched upon in the language, unless in a strictly technical form, and in 
scattered articles." 

" Being designed for American students, the illustrations have been drawn, 
as far as possible, from American objects. * * ♦ Popular names have been 
employed as far as possible, and to the scientific names an English termination 
has generally been, given. The first part is devoted to Comparative Physiology, 
as the basis of Classification ; the second, to Systematic Zoology, in wliicl, 'he 
principles of Classification will be applied, and the principal groups of animals 
briefly characterized." — Extracts from the Preface. 

MODERN FRENCH LITERATURE ; By L. Raymond Dh 
Vericour, formerly lecturer in the Roval Athenaeum of Paris, 
member of the Institute of France, <&c. American edition, 
brought down to the present day, and revised with notes t y 
William S. Chase. With a fine portrait of Lamartine. 

%*Thig Treatise has received the highest praise as a comprehensive ai*^ 
fiiorough survey of the various departments of Modem French Literatu?*^,- 
It contains biographical and critical notes of all the prcTninent names in Pbl 
losophy, Criticism, History, Romance, Poetry, and the Drama; and present* # 
full and impartial consideration of the Political Tendencies of France, as thty 
may be traced in the writings of authors equally conspicuous as Scholars and 
^ Statesmen. Mr. Chase, who has been the Parisian correspondent of several 
leading periodicals of this country, is well qualified, from a prolonged resi 
dence in France, his familiarity with its Literature, and by a personal ao 
•juaintance with many of these authors, to introduce the work of De Vericour 
k) the American public 

" This" is the only complete treatise of the kind on this subject, either ii 
French or English, and has received the highest commendation. Mr. Cha«c k 
•F'^ll qnarified to introduce thf work to t]^«> public. The book cannot fki; :« ctk 
"sclh useful and p<>pu'a.r. " - A'ew I'ork Eveniim PoaL 



VALUABLE SCIENTIFIC WORKS 

PUBLISHED BT 

GOULr AND LINCOLN, 59 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTON 



LAKE SUPERIOR, 

CM PHYSICAL CHARACTER, VEGETATION, AND ANIMAIS, COM- 
PARED WITH OTHER AND SIMILAR REGIONS, 

BY L, AGASSIZ. 

r> TH A NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION AND ILLUSTRATIONS, 

BY J. E. CABOT. 

One Volume, octavo. Cloth, price $3,50. 

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Literary World. 

'' A work rich and varied in matter pregnant of lofty suggestions 
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whether scientific or otherwise, and whether lay or clerical." — Christian 
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as one of the most important contributions which this country has ever 
made to that most fascinating science." — Providence Journal. 



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'J lis work will be issued annually, on the first of March, and the reaa- 
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portant f^cis discovered or announced in these departments. It will 
form a handsome duodecimo volume of about 400 pages, with an en- 
graved r!ken"ss of some distinguished man of science. Volume I. con- 
tains a fine likjness of Professor Agassiz, and Volume II., Professor 
Bil'.iman. 

As it is not intended merely for the scientific man, but to meet the 
»rrif»t- (•* "lie trentTiil reader, it has been tlie aim of the editors lliat in« 
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Htirsford, and Wyman, of Harvard University, and many other ecientiflt 
jenilfMn' i. 



FOOT-PIlI?fTS OF THE CREATOR; 

OR, THE ASTEROLEPIS OF STROMNESS. 
BY HUGH MILLER. 

"STjrH MANY ILLUSTRATIONS, FROM THIRD LOIfDON £DI7I9n 

ffVTU A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR BY LOUIS i^GASSIZ 

12mo., cloth ; price, $1,25. 

" Tlie 'Foot-prints' is not surpassed by any modern work.'' — J^ortk 
British Reii'W. 

" The impressive eloquence ot great thoughts greatly expressed ; rea» 
gonnig at once comprehensive in scope, strong in grasp, and pointedly 
direct ill application, — these qualities combine to render the ' Foot-prints* 
one of the most perfect refutations of error, and defences of truth, that 
ever exact science has produced." — Free Church Magazine. 

" Dr. Blckland, at a meeting of the British Association, said he had 
never been so much astonished in his life, by the powers of any man, as 
he had been by the geological descriptions of Mr. Miller. That wonder- 
ful man described these objects with a facility which made him ashamed 
of the coinparative meagreness and poverty of his own descriptions in 
the ' Bridgewater Treatise,' which had cost him hours and days of 
labor, //j would give his left hand to possess such powers of description as 
ilns man: and if it pleased Providence to spare his useful life, he, if any 
one, would certainly render science attractive and popular, and do equal 
service to t leology and geology." 

" The style of this work is most singularly clear and vivid, rising at 
times to eloquence, and always impressing the reader with the idea that 
he is brought in contact with gre;«t thoujihts. Where it is necessary, 
:here are enjiravinjjs to illustrate the geological remains. The whole 
work forms one of the best defences of Truth that science can produce." 
— Jilbany State. Register. 

" The ' Foot-prints of the Creator' is not only a good but a great book. 
All who have read the 'Vestiges of Creation ' should study the 'Foot- 
prints of the Creator.' This volume is especially wortny the attention of 
those who are so fearful of the sceptical tendencies of natural science. 
We expect this volume will meet with a very extensive sale. It should 
be placed in every Sabbath school library, and at every Christi??: .ire- 
aide." — Boston Traveller. 

*' Mr. Miller's style is remarkably pleasing ; his mode of popularizing 
geological knowledge unsurpassed, perhaps unequalled : and the deep 
»ein of reverence for divine revelation pervading all, aads interest and 
talue to the volume." — J\''. Y. Com. Advertiser. 

*' The publishers have again covered themselves with honor, by giving 
ft the American public, with the author's permission, an elegant reprint 
ef a foreign work of science. AV^e earnestly bespeak for this work a wide 
and free circulation, among all who love science much and religion 
laore." — Puritan Recorder. 

■" We have never read a work of the kind with so much interest. Its 
ntutements of fact and its descriptions are remarkably clear. Fram mi- 
nnte particulars it leads us on to broad views of the creation ; and the 
earth becomes the witness of a succession of miracles, as wonderful as 
any recorded in the Scriptures." — Christian Register. 

*' Thi?! splendid work should be read by every man in our land. We 
recommend the study of this science to our young men : let them ap- 
proach it with open, and not unfaithful breasts, — for amid our mountains, 
trana and tall, our boundless plains, and flowing rivers, vast and virgiu 
fields for exploration yet present themselves." — Scientific Americaru 



THE OLDRED SANDSTONE; 

CR, NEW WALKS IN AN OLD FIELD. 
BY HUGH MILLER. 



* ' 



rRCM THE FOURTH LONDON EDITION — ILLUSTRATED. 

12mo, cloth, price $1,25. 



A w/iter, in noticing Mr. Miller's "First Impressions of Enjrland an4 
Ibe People," in the A^ew Englander, of May, 185'>, commences by saying, 
" We presume it is not necessary formally to introduce Hiifih Miller to 
our readers ; the author of ' The Old lied Sandstone ' placed liinibielf, by 
that production, which was first, amonp the most successful {reoloojsts 
and the best writers of the age. We well remember with what luingled 
emotion and delight we first read that work. Rarely has a more re- 
markable book come from the press. * * For, besides the important 
contributions which it makes to the science of Geology, it is written in a 
style which places the author at once among the most accom[)lished 
writers of the age. * * He proves himself to be in prose what Burns 
has been in poetry. We are not extravagant in saying that there is no 
geologist living who, in the descriptions of the phenomena of the science, 
has united such accuracy of statement with so much poetic beauty of 
expression. We do not hesitate to place Mr. Miller in the front rank 
of English prose writers. His style has a classic purity and elegance, 
which remind one of Goldsniith and Irving, while there is an ease and a 
naturalness in the illustrations of the imagination, which belong only to 
men of true genius." 

A writer in the American Traveller, in noticing the work, says, — 

"The admirer of scenery, of all that is picturesque in nature, cannot 
fail to be delighted with his graphic delineations. Above all, the good 
citizen, the religious man, will read this highly interesting volume with 
no ordinary satisfaction." 

" The excellent and lively work of our meritorious, self-tancrht country- 
man, Mr. Miller, is as admirable for the clearness of its descriptions, and 
the sweetness of its composition, as for the purity and gracefulnes which 
pervade it." — Edinburgh Review. 

" This admirable work evinces talent of the highest order, a deep and 
healthful moral feeling, a perfect command of the finest language, and a 
beautiful union of philosophy and poetry. No geologist can penise this 
volume without instruction and delight." — SillimaiVs American Journal 
qf Science. 

" Mr. Miller's exceedingly interesting book on this formation is jiiBl 
tlie sort of work to render any subject popular. It is written in a remark- 
ably pleasing style, and contains a wonderful amount of information." — 
Westminster Review. 

*' In Mr. Miller's charming little work will be found a very graphic d©- 
•cription of the Old Red Fishes. I know not of a more fascinating volume 
OT any branch of British geology." — MmtelVs Med'ds of Creation. 

" Mr. Miller had elevated himself to a position which any man, in any 
Bphere of life, might well envy He had seen some of his papers on 
geology, written in a style so beautiful and poetical as to throw piaii 
geologists, like himself, in the shade." — Sir Roderick Murchison. 

'• A geological work, small in size, unpretending in spirit and manner : 
its contents, the conscientious narration of fact ; its style, the beautiftil 
Bimplicity of truth ; and altogether possessing, for a rational reader, ed 
interest u-.^erior to that Df a novel." — Dr. J. Pye Smith. 



THE EARTH AND MAN: 

UMures on Comparative Physical Geography^ in its Relation to the Hiii»rf 

of Mankind. 

3y Arnold Guyot, Prof. Phys. Geo. and Hist., Neuchatel 

Ti undated from the French by Prof. C. C. Felton. With Ulustrationtk 

12mo. Price, $1 25. 



" The work is one of liigh merit, exhibiting a wide range of knowledge, 
freat research, and a philosophical spirit of investigation. Its perusal will 
wel' repay tiie most learned in such subjects, and give new views to all of 
Kian's relation to the globe he inhabits." — Silliman^s Journal. 

-'To the reader we shall owe no apology, if we have said enough ta 
&xcite his curiosity, and to persuade him to look to the book itself foi fu»' 
tlier instruction. " — J^orth American Review. 

'' The grand idea of the work is happily expressed by the author, where 
hu calls it the geographiHU march of history. * * * The man of science 
will hail it as a beautiful generalization from the facts of observation. The 
Gliristian, who trusts in a merciful Providence, will draw courage from it, 
and hope yet more earnestly for the redemption of the most degraded por- 
tions of njankind. Faith, science, learning, poetry, taste, in a word, 
genius, have liberally contributed to the production of the work under 
review. Sometimes v.'e feel as if we were studying a treatise on the exact 
sciences ; at others, it strikes the ear like an epic poem. J!^ow it reads like 
history, and now it sounds like prophecy. It will find readers in whatever 
language it may be published ; and in the elegant English dress which it 
has received from the accomplished pen of the translator, it will not fail to 
interest, instruct, and inspire." — Christian Examiner. 

" These lectures form one of the most valuable contributions to geogra- 
phical science that has ever been published in this country. They invest 
th-j study of geography with an interest which will, we doubt not, surprise 
and delight many. They will open an entire new world to most readers, 
and will be found an invaluable aid to the teacher and student of geog- 
raphy." — Evening Traveller. 

" We venture to pronounce this one of the most interesting and instruo- 
tive books which have come from the American press for many a month. 
The science of which it treats, is comparatively of recent origin ; but it is of 
great importance, not only on account of its connections with other branchet 
of knowledge, but for its bearing upon many of the interests of society. 
It abounds with the richest interest and instruction to every intelligent 
reader, and is especially fitted to awaken enthusiasm and delight in all who 
axe devoted to the study, either of natural science or the history of man* 
kind." — Providence Journal. 

'• Geography is here presented under a new and attractive phase ; it is no 
longer a dry desciption of the features of the earth s surface. The influ- 
ence of soil, scenery, and climate upon character, has not yet received the 
consiJeraiion due to it from historians and philosophers. In the volume 
before us, the profound investigations of Humboldt, Ritter, and others, in 
Physical Geography, arepresented in a popular form, and with the cleai^ 
neps and vivacity so characteristic of French treatises on science. The 
wcrk should be introduced into our higher schools." — TTie mdependtnt^ 
Xeio York. 

" Geography ia ^ere made to assume a dignity not heretofore attached to 
t. The knowledge commanicated in these lectures is curious, unexpected* 



W. & R. CHAMBERS'S WORKS. 



eUAMBER'S CYCLOPAEDIA OF ENGLISH LITERATURES 

A selection of the choicest productions of Enghsh Authors, 
torn the earliest to tlie present time ; Connected by a Criti- 
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In two vols, octavo, with upwards of 300 elegant illustrations. 
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*♦* The Publishers of the AMERICAN Edition of this valuable work vlesir* 
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ROW TO BE A LADY ; A Book for Girls, containing usefti. 
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•will be real laches, in the highest sense." — i'?-iyace. 

" They are full of wholesome and judicious counsels, which are well fitt«rd to 
preserve the young from the niimberless evils to which they are ex})0sed. and 
to mould them to virtue and usefulness. There is a directness and earnestnea* 
pervading the whole, which must secure for it a ready access to the youthful 
mind and heart." — Albany Argus. 

HOW TO BE A MAN; A Book for Boys, containing useful 
hints on the formation of character. Fifth thousand. 18mo.j 
gilt cloth. Price 50 cents. 

"My design in writing has been to contribute something towards Ibrminj 

the character of those who are to be our future electors, legislators, governors, 
judges, ministers, lawyers, and physicians, — after the best model. It is 
intended for boys— or, if you please, for young gentlemen, in early youth; 
from eight or ten to fifteen or sixteen years of age." — Preface. 

" They contain wise and important counsels and cautions, adapted to the 
young, and made entertaining by the interesting style and illustrations of the 
author. They are fine mirrors, in which are reflected the prominent linear 
ments of the Chrisfian young gentleman and young lady. The execution of 
the works is of the first order, and the books will afford elegant and most prof- 
itable presents for the young." —American Pulpit. 

ANECDOTES FOR BOYS ; Entertaining Anecdotes and Narra- 
lives, illustrative of principles and character. 18mo., gilt cloth. 
Price 42 cents. 

" Nothing has a greater interest for a youthful mind than a well-told story, 
End no medium, of conveying moral instructions so attractive or so f<uccessful. 
The ijiflueuce of all suck stories is fkr more powerful when the child is assured 
that they are true. The book before us is conducted upon these ideas. It ii 
made up of a series of anecdotes, every one of which inculcates some excel- 
lent moral lesson. We cannot too highly approve of the book, or too stronglj 
recommend it to parents." — Western Continent, Baltimore. 

ANECDOTES FOR GIRLS ; Entertaining Anecdotes and NaiTa- 
lives, illustrative of principles and character. 18mo., gilt cloth. 
Price 42 cents^ 

" There is a charm about these two beautiful volumes not to be mistaken. 
They are deeply interesting and instructive, without being fictitious. The 
tnecdotes are many, short, and spirited, with a mcral drawn from pach, some- 
what after the manner of To^u. ; and no youth can read them without finding 
tomething therein adapted to every age, condition, and duty of life. W^ 
commend it to families and schools." — Albany Spectator. 

" He desires to instruct rather than to dazzle ; to infuse correct principle* 
into the minds and the heart of the young, than cater to a depraved appetit« 
for romantic excitement. We cordially commend these volumes to all 
parents and children." — Christian Alliance. 

rHKISTIANlTY DEMONSTRATED in four distinct and ind©^ 
pendens series of proofs ; with an explanation of the Types and 
Prophecies concerning the Messiah. 12mo. Price 75 cents. 

*** Tbii obj<'2t of the writer has been to classify and condense the evidenc«, 
Vtiai the whcl;e force of each particular kind might be seen at one view. H» 
has also airbed to render the ^ork practical, so as to hcve It a book to be read 
as well a? st^ditd. The Types and Prophecies furnish an important specie* 
af evide;^c»'«, uad are rich ia iaatructiou upon the way of Salvation. 



CRDBEW'S COra)ENSEB CONCORDAKTOE. 

A COMPLETE 

COiNCORDAKCE TO THE HOLY SCRIFTURLS. 

BY ALEXANDER CRUDEN, M.A. 

A NE^T AND CONDENSED EDITION, WITH AN INTRODUCTION, 

BY REV. DAVID KING, LL.D. 

Fifth Thousand. Price ^ in Boards, SljSS ; Sheep, $1,50. 

Thi3 edition is printed from English plates, and is a full and fiiir copy of oj 
that is valuable in Cruden as a Concordance. The principal variation from the 
larger book consists in the exclusion of the Bible Dictionary, which lias long been 
an incumbrance, and the accuracy and value of which have been depreciated hj 
works of later date, containing recent discoveries, facts and opinions, unknown 
to Truden. The oondensation of the quotations of Scriptures, arranged under 
their most obvious heads, while it diminishes the bulk of the work, greurly 
facilitates the finding of any required passage. 

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 

From the Boston Recorder. 
Those who have been acquainted with the various works of this kind now 
in usrc, well know that Cruden's Concordance far excels all others. Yet we 
have in this edition of Cruden, the best made better. That is, the present 
is better adapted to the purposes of a Concordance, by the erasure of su)[>er- 
fluous references, the omission of unnecessary explanations, and the con 
traction of quotations, &c. ; it is better as a manual, and is better adapted 
by its price to the means of many who need and ought to possess such a 
wrork, than the former larger and expensive edition. 

From the Christian Mirror, Portland. 
The condensation effected on this edition, leaves the book even more 
perspicuous, and a readier help than before. 

From the Albany Argus. 
The present edition, in being relieved of some things which contriliuteJ to 
render all former ones unnecessarily cumbrous, without adding to the 
aibstantial value of the work, becomes an exceedingly cheap book. 
From, the Albany Religious Spectator. 
Tha work has lost nothing of its value from being condensed, a» we find 
It, in the present edition. 

FVom the Christian Reflector, Boston. 

We cannot see but it is, in all points, as valuable a book of referenoe, fot 
Biinisters and Biole students, as the larger edition. 

From, the Christian Watchman, Boston. 

All in the incomparable work of Cruden, that is essential to a con( oif lanoe, 
il presented in a volume much reduced both in size and price. 
From the Baptist Record, Philadelphia. 

The new, condensed and cheap work prepared from the voluminous aui 
costly one of Cruden, opportunely fills a chasm in our Biblical literature. 
The work has been examined critically by several ministers, and others, 
ftud pronounced complete and accurate. 

From the Adv&nt Herald, Boston. 

This is the very work of which we have long felt the need. We obtained 
a copy of the English edition some months since, and wishtd some one 
would publish it ; and we are much pleased that its enterprising puonsneri 
can n<iw fnrnish the student of the Bible with a work whicn £e so much 
needs, at so cheap a rate. 



RELIGIOUS PROGRESS; 

DISCOURSES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 
CHRISTIAxV CriARACTER. 

BY WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, D. D. 

12mo.5 Cloth ; price, 85 Cents. 



From H. J. Ripley, D. J>., Prof of Sacred Rhetoric, (^'c, J^ewton TheoL IritL 

Strong conceptions, suggested by earnest conviction, arrest tiie reaeier^a 
attention in this volume, no less than the author's characteristic beauty 
t-f thought and language. Historical and otlier illustrations of senti- 
ments are |pt and abundant ; every page almost betraying the wide com- 
prehension of knowledge which distiniruishes the author. The-e Di*- 
tourses cannot fail to make the heart better, while they inform the under- 
Ptnndinff and gratify a cultivated taste. 

" This book is a rare phenomenon in these days. It is a ricli expo^?iticn 
of Scripture, with a fund of practical, religious wisdom, conveyed in a 
style no strong and so massive, as to remind one of the English writers 
of two centuries ago ; and yet it abounds in fresh illustrations drawn 
from every — even the latest opened — field of science and of literature." 
— Methodist Quarterhj. 

" n\< power of apt and forcible illustration is almost without a parallel 
among recent writers. Tbe mute page springs into life beneath the niagic 
of his radiant imagination. But this is never at the expense of solidity of 
thought or .strength of argument. It is seldom- indeed that a mind of so 
much poetical invention yields such a willing homage to the logical ele- 
ment. He employs his brilliant fancies for the elucidation and ornamenl 
of truth, but never for its di^jcoveiy." — Harpers' jMonthly JMisctlla-ny. 

" With warm and glowing language, Dr. Williams exhibits and en- 
ffirr-es this truth, every page rarliant with 'thoughts that burn,'' and leave 
their indelible impression upon the candid and intelligent mind.'' — „V- 
K Cnm. Advertiser. 

'• The strength and compactness of argumentation, the correctness and 
beauty of style, and the importance of the animating idea of the dig- 
courses, are worthy of the high reputation of Dr. Wiiliams, and place 
theui amoncr the mo.^t finished homiletic productions of the day. We 
co!i!d wish their judicious thoughts and animated periods might secure 
the study of every Christian." — J\''. Y. Evangelist. 

" 'I'his work is from the pen of one of the brightest lights of tne 
American pulpit. We scarcely know of any living writer who has a 
finer command of powerful thought and glowing, impressive language,, 
than he. The present volume will advance, if possible, tliP reputation 
which liis previous works have acquired for him." — dlbany Evening 
jStlas. 

'''Yir. Williams has no superior among American div-nes, in pr:tft»und 
and exact learning, and brilliancy of .style. He seems familiar with the 
!it(=>rature of the world, and lays his vast resources under confributicuj to 
Illustrate and adorn every theme which he investigates. We wish th« 
rolume couid be placed in every religious family in the ccuntry" — 
riida. Ckr. Citron de. 

We venture to predict that this work will take its place at cnce niong 
th*> classics of American literature." — J\''. Y. Recorder. 

" These sermons are certainly able and eloquent productions : a 
rail. able contribution to those efforts which are making, in various di- 
rections, to prevent the self-sufficiency of the nineteenth century froru 
forgetting its allegiance to God and his Christ, and to wake up the triit? 
!hurch to the duty, even as it has the power, to extend over the world 
its spiritual government." — JV*. Y. Chr, Inquirer 



LIFE AND CORRESFONDENCE Of JOHN FOSTER, 

' X88AT8," ftC 

BY J. E. RYLAND. 

With Notices of Mr. Foster as a Preacher and a Compankn, ^ 

JoHW Shepard, author of " Thoughts on Devotion," &c 

Two Vols, in one. 714 pp., 12mo, cloth, $1,25 



'In simplicity of language, in majesty of conception, in the eloqueoM 
ef that conciseness which conveys in a short sentence more meaning thaa 
the mind dares at once admit, his writings are unmatche4." — JVortk 

British Review. 

*' It is with no ordinary expectations and gratification and delight thai 
we have taken up the Biography and Correspondence of the author of th« 
* Essays on Decision of Character,' &c. The memoir of such a man as 
John Foster must, of necessit}'^, possess very peculiar attractions. 

" We are glad to find ourselves in possession of so much additional 
matter from the well-nigh inspired pen of this great master in English 
composition." — Christian Review. 

" A book rich in every way — in good sense, vivacity, suggestivenew, 
liberality, and piety." — Mirror. 

" The letters which principally compose this volume bear strongly the 
impress of his own original mind, and are often characterized by a depth 
and power of thought rarely met with even in professedly elaborate dis- 
quisitions." Albany Argus. 

"This work, from the character of its subject, must constitute the 
choice book of the season, in the department of correspondence and 
biography. We all wish to know what he was as a friend, a husband a 
father, and as a practical exponent of what is enshrined in the immortal 
productions of his pen. All who appreciate the subject of which these 
volumes treat will rejoice in the opportunity of adding this treasure to 
their libraries." — Watchman ^ Reflector. 

" John Foster was one of the strongest writers of his age." — Christum 
Register. 

" In this large volume, of over 700 pages, the publishers have pre 
eented the reading public with the memoir and correspondence of one of 
the most profound and eloquent writers of the age. In vigor and majesty 
erf conception and thought, and in simplicity of language, the writings of 
John Foster are unrivalled. It is almost superfluous to speak of theif 
merits — for they have been read and appreciated extensively on both 
lides of the Atlantic. We wish to see a great man at home — and in the 
biography and letters comprised in the volume before us, this rational 
curiosity is gratified. The reader is introduced to the intellectual giant 
intherelationsaiulevery-day scenes of private life." — Christian Observer^ 

*' Though a great, Mr. Foster was not a voluminous, writer. Few men 
ever wrote with more care or more thoroughly elaborated their works 
than he." — Western Literary Messenger. 

*' John Foster was an extraordinary man. The life and correspondent* 
of one who possessed the masterly powers of Mr. Foster must have much 
in them to instruct and improve all who are fortunate enough to have tlia 
volume that embraces them. — Christian Witness. 

*' John Foster was one of the greatest thinkers, and most vigorous ani 
♦m.nrr s-^ivft writers of the present day. We are glad to see this work 
^;ice(i iu ihe reaql? of all, at a very reasonable price.' — Christian Heraid 



WAYLAND'S UNIVERSITY SERMONS. 

SERMONS DELIVERED IN BROWN UNIVERSITY. 
By Francis Wayland, D. D 

Second Editioju 12mo. Pricey $1 00. 



" Few sermons contain so much carefully arranged thought as these b| 
Dr Wayland. The thorough logician is apparent throughout the volume, 
and there is a classic purity in the diction unsurpassed by any writer.^ anc 
equalled by very few." — JVezc York Commercial Advertiser. 

" They are the careful production of a matured and powerful intelJect. 
and were addressed to a thinking and well-informed audience, and are 
•gpecia.ly adapted for the educated and thoughtful man." — Chr, Alliance 

*' No thinking man can open to any portion of it without finding hit 
attention strongly arrested, and feeling inclined to yield his assent to those 
■elf-evincing statements which appear on every page. As a writer, Dr. 
Wayland is distinguished by simplicity, strength, and comprehensiveness* 
Headdresses himself directly to the intellect more than to the imagination j 
to the conscience more than to the passions. Yet, through the intellect 
and the conscience, he often reaches the depths of our emotive nature, and 
rouses it by words of power. We commend these sermons to all students 
of moral and religious truth, to all lovers of sound thought conveyed in 
elegant diction." — Watchman ^ Reflector. 

" The discourses are characterized by all that richness of thought and 
edegance of language for which their talented author is celebrated. The 
whole volume is well worthy of the pen of the distinguished scholar anU 
divine from whom it emanates." — Dr. Baird's Christian Unioiu 



SACRED RHETORIC: 

Or Composition and Delivery of SeiTnon^. 

By Henry J. Ripley, Professor in Newton Theological Instituti<ML 

Including Ware^s Hints on Extemporaneous Preaching. 

12oto. Price, 75 cents. 



i 

' An admirably prepared work, clear and succinct in its positions and 
recommendations, soundly based on good authority, and well supported by 
a variety of reading and illustrations. It is well adapted for a healthy di»-' 
cipline of the faculty, and there are few preachers who might not with 
profit revise their practice by its pages. It is worthy, too, of being a com- 
panion to Whately, in the general studv of Rhetoric." — JV. Y. Lii\srarf 
World, 

" Prof. Ripley possesses the highest qualifications for a work of this kind» 
His position has given him great experience in the peculiar wants of theo- 
logical students." — Providence Journal. 

" This work belongs among the substantials of our literature. It is man« 
ifesvly the fruit of mature thought and large observation ; it is pf-naded by 
a manly tone, and abounds in judicious counsels ; it is compactly writtenj 
and ;v(hnirably arranged, both for study and reference, Tt will become a 
^ext-book for theological students ; it deserves to be read by all ministtrfl 
Aho c;in av-'.i'i them -elves of it, and especially by all young ministers."-- 
A*. Y. RecordfT 



REPUBLICAN CHRISTIANITY: 

OR TRUE LIBERTY; 

Jfi exk )Ued in the Life, Precepts, and early Disciples of the Qreat Redetmo' 

By E . L . M A G o o N . 

127710. Price, $125. 



•* li }< adapted to the spirit of the times. It meets and answers the gr««| 
t:^<uiry •af the present day. It describes clearly the corruptions af pasi 
ta -€8^ the imperfections of the present, and the changes tluit must b« 
eitvHJte?^ in ilie forms and spirit of reliji^ion, and through religion, upon th« 
Sta^r, ti secure to us better and brighter prospects for the future. The 
autho is n «t afraid to expose and condemn the errors and corruptions, 
eithe; ■af thw church or state." — Christian Watchman, 

*' It 'iA a vtfy readable, and we think will prove a useful book. The ar- 
gument is cUar and well sustained, and the style bold and direct. Th« 
tijne and spir»t of the entire work are tbat of an independent thinker, itnd 
of a man whwse sympathies are with the many and not with the few, with 
no privileged class, but with the human race. We commend this book to 
all lovers of true liberty and of a pure Ciiristianity." — Pruvidence JouriuL 

" Mr. ]V»agoon thinks boldly, and speaks frankly, and with a variety and 
freshness of illustration that never fail to command attention." — jSTem 
York Tribune. 

" He considers Christianity in 'ill its parts as essentially repulilican. He 
has maintained his position with great tact. It is a clear, strikinir, attrac- 
tive presentation of his views, and the reasons for them. It will excite 
attentioii, botJi from tlie sul)ject itself, and from the manner in which it is 
handled." — Philadelphia Chronicle. 

" This book is one which the masses will read with avidity, and its pa- 
rtisal, we think, will fire up the zeal of some Christian scholars^ — Baptist 

Manorial. ■ 



rROVERBS FOR THE PEOPLE: 

Ck' rdustrations of practical Godliness, drawn from the Book of ffisdcm 

By E. L. Magoon. 

12mo. Price, 90 cents. 

' He is quaint, s»ententious. He has indeed the three ^»eat qui I itiut 
* filth, point, and pathos j' and always enforces high and noble sentiments. 
— -.VtttJ York Recorder. , 

*' It is a popular manual of great practical utility." — Ch. Chronide, Philm 

" The subjects are so selected as to embrace nearly all the proctirai 
'rlies of lif<^ The work, in consequence of this pecciiar character, will 
•o fjund extensively useful." — Rochester Democrat. 

" The work abounds with original and pithy matter, well adapted to en. 
gngc the attention and to reform the life. We hope these discoursea wiiJ 
be extensively read." — jMorning Star, Dover. 

" It i= an excellent book for young people, and especially for young men. 
%rnidst tlie tem]-tations of business and pleasure." — Albany Ejpre^in- 



cnOCn HISTORY. -POLITY AND MEMBEKSin?. 



THE APOSTOLICAL AND PRIMITIVE CHURCH ; Populai 
ill its government and simple in its worship. By Lymaj* 
Coleman. With an introductory essay, by Dr. XuGusT'jf 
NiLiNDEK, of Berlin. Second Edit> 12mo. •loth. Price SI. 26. 

From the Professors in Andover Theological Seminary. 
** The undersigned are pleased to hear that you ore soon to publish a new 
«dition of the 'Primitive Church,' by Lymax Coleman. Thev regard this 
volume as the result of extensive and original research ; as embod/iua very 
important materials for reference, much sound thought and conclusive" argu- 
ment. In their estimation, it may both interest and instruct the intelligent 
layman, may be profitably used as a Text Book for Theological Students, 
and should especially form a part of the libraries of clergvmen. The int:x> 
diiction, by Neandee, is of itself sufficient to recommeiod the volume to 
the hterary public." LEO>-AfeD Woods, Bela B. Edwards, 

Ralph Emeeso>', Edward A. Park. 

THE CHURCH MEMBER'S HAND BOOK. A Guide to 
the Doctrines and Practices of Baptist Churches. By Rev. 
William Crowell. 18mo. Cloth. Price 37^ cents. 

•' We have never met with a book of this size that contained so full and complete a 

g'li-ipsis of the Doctrines and Practice of the Baptist, or any other church, as this. Mr. 
rowU is one of tiie ablest writers in the denomination, and if there is a subject m the 
whvle range of Christianity which he is pre-eminently qualified to discuss, it is the one 
before us. The 'Hand Book ' is not an abridgment ot' the ' Church Memticr's Man- 
ual,' by the same author, but is written expressly as a brief, plain guide to vouno- mem- 
Ders of the churc'i. It appears to have been prepared with much care and lalKir, and 
a just such a book as is needed by every youno^xhurch member; we' might safelv aild, 
and by most of the older members in the denomination ; for there is a vast amount o/ 
Information in it that will be found of practical use to all." — Christian Secretary. 
" It is concise, clear, and comprehensive ; and, as an exposition of ecclesiastical prin- 
ciples and practice, is worthy of careful study of all the young members of our church a. 
We hope it may be widely circulated, and that the youiliful thousands of our laradl 
may become fuuiliar with its pag'-s." — Watch?nan and Reflector. 

THE CHURCH IN EARNEST; By John Angell James. 

18mo. cloth ; price 50 cents. 

** A very seasonable publication. The church universal needs a re-awakening 
to its high vocation, and this is a book to effect, so far as human intellect can, the 
much desired resuscitation." — y. T. Com. Adv. 

" We are glad to see that this subject has arresled the pen of Mr. James. We 
welcome and commend it. I^et it be scattered like autumn leaves. We believe 
its perusal will do much to impress a conviction of the high mission of the Chris- 
tian, and much to arouse the Christian to fulfil it." — iT. Y. Recorder. 

I. "vy-g rejoice that this work has been republished in this country, and we can- 
not too strongly commend it to the serious perusal of the churches of every 
nftme." — OhHstian Alliance. 

" Mr, James's writings all have one object, to do execution. He writes undei 
fc.e impulse — Do something, do it. He studies not to be a profound or learned, 
but ft practical writer. He aims to raise the standard of piety, holiness in t>uB 
heart, and holiness of life. The influence which this work will exert on tii« 
thurch must be highly salutary." — Boston Recorder. 

THE (^HURCH MEMBER'S GUIDE. By Rev. J. A. James. 
Edited by Rev. J. 0. Choules. New Edition ; with an Intro 
diictory Essay, by Rv^7. H. WmsLOW. 18mo. cloth. Price as 
cents. 

A pastor writes— "I sincerely wish that every professor of religion in th« 
land may possess this excellent manual. I am anxious that every member 
of my church should possess it, and shall be happy to promote its circulation 
Glil] more extensively." 

•* Tlie spontaneous effusion of our heart, on laying the book down, wae, — 
may every church-member in our land soon possess this book, and be blessed 
with all the happiness which conformity to its evangelic seutiraents sad 
4irer.t»oas is calculatec' to confer." — C?iristian Secretary. 



ELEGANT MINIATTJTIE VOLUMES. 
mt Edges and beautifully Ornamented Covers. Price 31K ^ents ^ack. 

DA1L\ 31ANNA for Christian Pilgrims. By Kev. B. Stow. D.l» 
THE ATTHACTIONS OF HEAVEN. Edited by tlie Ro^ 

H. A. Graves. 
THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. An Aid to the Bight Tinder 

standing and Spiritual Improvement of the Lord's bupper. 
THE ACTIVE CHKISTIAN. By John Harris, D.D. 
TIIF BIB-LE AND THE CLOSET. Or, how we mny read thj 
ScnntureA4 the most spintual profit And berret Pray« 
successfully managed. Edited by Rev. J. 0. Choules. 
THE MAPvftlAGE PvING, or how to make Home Happy. From 

the writings of J. A. James. 
LYKIC GEMS A Collection of Original and Select Sacred 

Poetry. Edited by Rev. S. F. Smith. 
THE (BASKET OF JEWELS, for Young Christians. By James, 
" Edwards, and Harris. 
THE (^YPKESS WKEATH. A Book of Consolation for thosu 

who Mourn. Edited by Rev. R. W. Griswold. 
THE MOURNER'S CHAPLET. An Offering of Sympathy for 

Bereaved Friends. Edited by John Keese. 
THE FAMILY CIRCLE. Its Affections and Pleasures. Edited 

by the Rev. H. A. Graves. 
THE FAMILY ALTAR. Or the Duty, Benefits, and Mode of 

conducting Family Worship. 
Bet, of the above, in neat boxes, andformmg a beoMtiful " Minia. 

-^ ture Library'' in 12 VoU. Price $3.<o. 
THE SILENT COMFORTER. A Companion for the Sick Room. 

By Mrs Louisa Payson Hopkins. 
60LDEN GEMS: for the Christian. Selected from the writingB 
of Re^^ John fLvvel, with a Memoir of the Author, by Rev 
Joseph Banvard. 

DOUBLE MINIATURES. Price 50 Cents Each. 
THE WEDDING GIFT : Or, the Duties and Pleasures of Do 

TlTlf ^YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S GUIDE to the Doctrines aad 

Duties of a Religious Life. 
THF MOURNER COMFORTED. ^^^^ 

THE CHRISTIAN'S PRIVATF COMPANION. 

CONSOLATION FOR i'™ ^^^i^LI^^.^v^ nnTTFS 
THF SH.FNT COMFORTER. DAILY DUTIES. 



t'' 






